CA. custody of 2, florida ex lives, will not return kids, says I have no rights.. what do I do?

Question

The teenagers do not want to come home they want to get to know their dad.. I was told by a lawyer.. I have no rights in Florida.. I am in floored by all this I have not been served papers.. They are already enrolled in school, I feel like I don't exist. I have raised both by myself for the past 11 years. now he wants to play dad, What do I do.. where do I go.. Lawyers cost a lot of money.......I just need some sold answers

Answer 1

Well, if there is nothing else you can do.... My kids are my life. If I couldn't do anything about getting them back, I would move there. That sucks that you were trying to be the said parent and let them spend some time with their dad and then he pulled this crap. My heart goes out to you. But... Look at the bright side, we all need change in our lives. Maybe this is a blessing from God that you get to move to the Sunshine State and start a new adventurous life.
Or, you could be patient. Chances are if he wasn't much of a dad for 11 years he won't be much of one now. They'll probably be begging to come home before too long anyway. Good luck. You are in my prayers.

Answer 2

Well based on what you're going through right now, I can relate to this; however, what you need to assess what they're(the kids that is!) truly feeling and what you're feeling. Get a grip cause it isnt easy. The only thing I can tell you is to get some legal advice of your own, because YOU DO HAVE RIGHTS!!!! BELIEVE ME WHEN I TELL YOU!! You just have to do your homework on this, Im not sure how they do it there in Fla. and every state's system is different. I live in NY. Even if the legal adviser is court/county-appointed, whatever it is you have to do in order to regain custody of your children. Whoever the lawyer was that told you "You have no rights" DON'T BELIEVE IT!! OK!! Search, and keep on searching get a second opinion and if whatever advice you receive and something within tells you it don't sound good don't fall for it. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!! TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!!! IT'LL NEVER STEER YOU WRONG!! YOU'RE A WOMAN, MOTHER!! (YOU'RE THE ONE WHO CARRIED THEM FOR NINE MONTHS TO GET THEM HERE!!!) (Im just paraphasing!) Just keep a level head about this and never ever let him/them (the kids father that is!) see you sweat AT ALL!!! I know I'm still going through this dilemma my kids are grown (Son, 20; Daughter 16) They understand now and we still have other issues and hurdles to face and jump around but I'll tell you, Me and my children are much closer than ever now, even though were not together still. Our relationship with each other is stronger than its ever been. And that's about as solid of advice I'm going to give right now. I pray that your situation gets better for you soon. Try not to let this overwhelm you OK!! AND BE STRONG TOO!!!!! PEACE AND BE BLESSED!!!!

Answer 3

Let me see if I understand this,, you have custody or him ? If u do then by law he has no right to keep them unless they are 16 or over then in most states as long as they have a roof over your head and being cared for then the law can't do anything but if there under 16 and u have custody and he doesn't return them that's kidnapping..u can get them back..Check with the laws in your state..here in N.C. if their 16 or over then there's nothing you can do..As far as not being able to afford a lawyer if it's a good case most lawyers will work with you, try different lawyers surely you'll find one that will help you out..

Answer 4

It seems your lawyer already told you what rights you have. If you didn't like his answers, consult another lawyer, they're the only ones that can help you.

Answer 5

well it was true for me as well my ex stole my daughter in the middle of the night i was at work and fled to florida i wanted her charged with kiddnapping and my lawyer said i was screwed because florida was a safe state for that kind of crap!
good luck!
so i moved from n.y. to florida what will you do?