Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Disputes: When The Other Parent Threatens To Withhold Access To Your Child

Disputes between parents in Fort Lauderdale often spill over into their children’s lives. One common tactic is for one parent to try to withhold access to the child from the other. If this is happening to you, you likely feel angry, frustrated, and powerless.

These threats are common during separation or divorce, when emotions run high. However, under Florida law, one parent cannot simply decide to cut off the other. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney explains your legal rights and how to protect yourself and your relationship with your child.

What Florida Law Says About Access to Your Child

In disputes between single or divorcing parents, the Florida courts focus on one thing: your child’s best interests. Under the Florida Statutes, both parents are encouraged to have frequent and continuing contact with their child, unless there is a serious reason to limit that contact.

Here’s how the law applies when one parent threatens to withhold access:

• Until a court order says otherwise, both parents generally have equal rights to the child.
• Your spouse cannot change custody arrangements just by making threats.
• If a court order exists, both parents must follow it exactly. Violations can lead to enforcement actions.
• Judges take a strong stance against parents who try to damage the child’s relationship with the other parent.
• A parent can seek emergency relief if they believe the child is in danger, but they must prove it in court.

If your spouse is using access to your child as leverage, the Broward County Family Court may view that behavior negatively when making custody decisions.

How To Protect Your Parenting Rights in Fort Lauderdale

Denied access to your child? It’s natural to be angry, but avoid reacting emotionally, as this could reflect poorly on you in court. Instead, take these practical steps to protect yourself and your legal rights:

• Save texts, emails, and voicemails that show threats or denied access.
• Continue to comply with any child custody orders, even if the other parent does not.
• Request a temporary parenting plan.
• File for enforcement or contempt.
• Keep routines consistent and avoid putting your child in the middle of the conflict.
• Get professional legal help.

Our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney can review your case, advise you on the options available, and provide the fierce legal representation you need to be successful in court.

Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Attorney To Request a Consultation

Being denied access to your child is one of the worst things that can happen, but it is unfortunately common in Broward County child custody proceedings. At The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio, we help parents take swift legal action, enforcing court orders, putting parenting plans in place, and stopping behaviors that deprive you of your rights.

For trusted legal help, call or contact our office online. Request a one-on-one consultation with our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C/Parenting-Plan