Protecting Your Parental Rights In Fort Lauderdale When Your Ex Is Uncooperative

When a relationship ends, it can often feel like your life is in limbo, especially if you are dealing with ‘ghosting’ behavior or an otherwise uncooperative ex. However, as a parent, this situation is even more stressful and can impact your rights and the well-being of your children.

If you are a single parent dealing with an ex who refuses to cooperate or attempts to undermine your parental rights, get legal help right away. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale family attorney explains what you need to know in this situation and the steps you can take to protect your rights.

Understanding Your Parental Rights in Fort Lauderdale

Florida law recognizes the rights of both parents to play an active and involved part in their children’s lives. Unless the court determines that one of the parties is unfit or otherwise puts the child’s well-being at risk, Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes generally encourages joint child time-sharing arrangements.

Parenting plans dictate each of the parents’ rights and responsibilities and form the basis for a final child custody order. Is your ex refusing to cooperate? Here’s what you need to know:

• Once a custody order is issued, both parents are legally required to follow it.
• If your ex is preventing you from seeing your child as per your custody agreement, you have the right to take them to court.
• If there’s a pattern of uncooperative behavior or efforts to turn your child against you, it could jeopardize their parental rights.
• If you fear the other parent will try to take the child out-of-state or otherwise puts the child at risk, you can request immediate help via an emergency hearing.

Problems With A Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plan? Take These Steps

The Broward County Family Court encourages both parents to be active in their child’s lives. However, if the other parent is uncooperative in negotiating or implementing a parenting plan or otherwise jeopardizes your rights, take action right away. Follow these steps:

• Document everything: Keep a journal documenting missed visits or other evidence that your child’s other parent is uncooperative.
• Be open to mediation: Courts generally encourage mediation before moving forward with other legal actions.
• Get legal help: Having an experienced child custody attorney on your side is vitally important in navigating legal procedures and protecting your rights.
• Court enforcement: The other parent could lose their parental rights if they fail to obey court orders or are otherwise uncooperative in giving you the time and space you need to maintain a close relationship with your child.

Consult Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Family Lawyer Today

Navigating custody issues with an uncooperative ex can be emotionally taxing, and the stakes are high in terms of your relationship with your child and their overall well-being. The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio provides the trusted legal guidance and professional representation needed to protect your rights in this situation. To consult our experienced Fort Lauderdale family law attorney, call or contact us online today.

Source:

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