Armed with the knowledge of the family law process, child custody disputes do not have to be acrimonious.
A southern Florida girl that was abducted by her father during a child custody dispute was recently returned to her mother after five years. An anonymous tip led to the father and daughter living in Mexico. The girl was eight years old when her father, who had weekend visitation rights, took the girl from her mother, who had legal custody of the girl, during court-ordered visitation. At the time, a warrant was issued for the father for interference with custody. He was arrested without incident and awaits extradition on the warrant.
Child custody disputes and issues can bring out understandably strong emotions. It is important, however, to remain focused on the best interests of the child, which is often for both parents to have a relationship with the child. When parenting time or relocation are at issue, it is best to seek an agreement modification of the current custody order, through the court.
Courts may make changes to existing child custody orders based on a substantial change in circumstances. Enforcing a child custody order can mean potentially serious penalties for a parent that violates a child custody order. Because of this, it is best to seek an agreement modification through the court system which will evaluate the request to determine what is in the best interests of the child.
Child custody disputes can be upsetting and emotionally taxing. But, with the understanding of the child custody process, child custody disputes can be resolved for the best interests of the child and all parties involved.
Source: New York Daily News, “Florida mom reunited with daughter found in Mexico 5 years after dad abducted her,” Lee Moran, May 19, 2014