looking for info on unfit parent definition (renting, attorney)

[harleyman50]

I am trying to find out what the State of Florida would constitute an unfit parent in order to give one parent sole custody of a child. I have tried to look online and haven't been able to find a real definition of it. Any help is appreciated.

[Keeper]

That is a tricky issue from what I have seen. We had custody of our nephew because the mother left him at home alone at night when he was 6 yo. She was also on drugs and had been arrested for drug possession. We called DCF and they investigated her and we ended up with him until she got herself clean.

I also know of a case years ago where the father tried to get sole custody of his child and had her landlord testify about the mother and parties held at her house with ppl passed out in the yard. He had other ppl testify about other disturbing things regarding the mother and he lost, but that was years ago when father's getting custody was almost unheard of.

I think normally they consider
abuse - hitting a child ex.
drug use
leaving a child underage alone

Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect Florida -

[BUCSFAN08]

Florida has a confidential Parent Helpline that is toll free for the state of Florida. Their number is 800-352-5683. They can help with parenting questions, referrals, and even counseling. They might be able to find you someone who would know the answer to that question!

[mquintana]

You would need to prove the parent unfit. If they have any history of abuse, drug abuse, and such. I would say if you can prove they don't have a job, or home then you would have better odds of custody. I got custody of my oldest daughter when she was younger during my divorce. My ex-husband tried to strangle me so my friends called the cops on him. DCF got involved and they told me if I want to keep her, I had to get a divorce (which I was in the middle of one anyway). So it proved he was unfit.

[lavender]

You need to talk to an attorney - don't take as gospel all you read online, use it as one source of information. If you involve DCF or law enforcement, you may take on more than you wish to, though in the end you may need to for the sake of the child in question. Their well being should be the primary consideration at all times. You also might try talking to a guardian ad litum informally, not sure how you find one, maybe through the juvenile court system.

[Nav]

Although you didn't mention if this post regards one parent getting custody of their own children or a grandparent but in Florida it is nearly impossible to get sole custody. This is from first hand experience but the Florida courts are known to ignore most circumstances (except current incarceration) when dealing with parenting issues. They will grant shared custody even if the spouse is a terrible parent, with no job, income, savings or even a place to live. Unfortunately, the responsible parent is left out on a limb.

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[mquintana]

I had no issues of getting sole custody-although I got divorced back in '03-but then again I did let the courts know that I was afraid that he was going to flee the country with my child...I got a good divorce attorney-plus it was a woman too, they are usually pretty tough!

Originally Posted by Nav

Although you didn't mention if this post regards one parent getting custody of their own children or a grandparent but in Florida it is nearly impossible to get sole custody. This is from first hand experience but the Florida courts are known to ignore most circumstances (except current incarceration) when dealing with parenting issues. They will grant shared custody even if the spouse is a terrible parent, with no job, income, savings or even a place to live. Unfortunately, the responsible parent is left out on a limb.

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[MOONSHADO100264F]

I have a old friend that has been addicted to drinking and drugs and her 4th child was born with special needs and her third born addicted to alcohol . The mother has never completed anything dcf has asked and never completed anything court ordered but dcf is once again getting ready to let her have her kids back ,well the last two that are still here in fl .I ve never seen a case like this and the children not being protected and that dcf is even thinking its ok to give the kids back again.I wonder when enough is enough is it when one of the children are seriously hurt or killed then dcf will be like what ooops we are sorry.,,,,,

[Nav]

In Florida, it seems that DCF stands for "Don't Care about the Facts". Unfortunately they are terribly overworked and understaffed so their main job is "Getting the case off their desk". The children's best interest is not always served. Its unfortunate, but its reality.

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