Certain events might send children and their parents to Florida Juvenile Dependency Courts. While these same events might also form the bases for criminal trials, the two court systems are very different. This article will look at the dependency court in general. It...
Juvenile Dependency
Child health care provisions in Florida divorce settlements
Divorce settlements may include court orders that mandate making financial support payments to an ex-spouse or to provide for the children. As noted on the Florida Senate website, divorce settlements must include provisions specifying each spouse’s contribution toward...
How to speed up the reunification process
Losing your child to foster care is a frightening experience. You likely will experience feelings of inadequacy and despair, but this is not the time to give up. Florida wants to return children to their parents if possible, so you must take the steps necessary to...
Florida child support enforcement among the worst in the U.S.
After a divorce, many parents rely on regular child support payments from their former spouse to help with childcare expenses. However, parents owe almost 400,000 Florida children almost $7 billion in unpaid child support. Why do such a large amount of court-ordered...
Do you understand your child welfare hearing?
If officials suspect that your children are experiencing neglect, they may remove them from your home. A court hearing is sometimes necessary to evaluate the situation. According to the Children's Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, hearings...
What rights do you have when DCF shows up at your door?
Even if you have nothing to hide, few things have the potential to be more intimidating than dealing with the Department of Children and Families. After all, a DCF social worker may come to your house with a police officer and demand to talk to your son or daughter....
How do you pay for an alcohol rehabilitation program?
Recently, the Florida Department of Children and Families took your kids from your home. To get them back, you must prove you have what it takes to overcome your drinking habit. Rehab programs may cost money you do not have. WebMD explores ways to pay for alcohol...
What to know after the removal of your child from the home
After the removal of your child, you are more than likely distraught. You may be wondering what is going on and if you will get your child back. The state has a system in place to protect children from dangers in the home, and, ultimately, it wants to see the child...
Why is determining “best interests” so important?
The unanticipated effects of divorce on your children can complicate their lives forever. While it would be ideal for you to keep their lives unchanged while you navigate the complexities of your relationship, this is simply not realistic. The term "best interests"...
An overview of juvenile dependency cases
If there is concern that a child is experiencing abuse, neglect or abandonment in a home, someone may file a complaint with the court. The court that oversees these types of complaints is the Juvenile Dependency Court. Juvenile Dependency Court deals with child safety...