Child Custody Support Dispute

Summary

Nicole, a Florida resident, was granted full custody of her children several years ago. After a period of incarceration, she found that her childrens father had relocated to Ohio with the children and has not allowed her any contact. She has an upcoming child support hearing and is in arrears of $22,000. She has sought legal advice and contacted the police, but has been told its a civil issue. She has also hired a private investigator to locate her children in Ohio. She is currently unemployed but actively seeking work. She has maintained sobriety since 2017.

Full Conversation

Child custody/support State is Florida- several years ago I was granted full custody of my children (born out of wedlock) from their abusive dad (not against them-violent with me) I relapsed and got myself into some major legal issues, thus leading to my year incarceration.. I brought my children to their dad, with the promise i was going to deal with my legal issues and get sober (which i have maintained full sobriety) during the time of my incarceration my children's father left the state, and relocated and has not allowed me any contact with my kids at all- i have spoken to several different lawyers while expensive i have been told they can't practice out of this state and gave little to no advice. We have a child support hearing in the next * weeks, I made lump sum payments, and he has filed a support order wanting more.. My questions are, can i address the issues of him moving out of state with my children during child support hearing? And do i actually have to get a lawyer both in the state of Florida and the state he and my children are residing in? Thank you for any advice!
Do you know the current state where your children and their father are residing? This information is crucial to determine jurisdiction and legal procedures.
Ohio
What is the current status of your custody agreement?
There isnt one
What was the last legal agreement regarding the custody of your children before your incarceration?
I had full custody
What is the current status of your child support payments?
I am in arrears
What is the amount of arrears you owe in child support?
*,*
Can you confirm if there was any formal agreement or court order that allowed the father to take the children out of state?

General Information:
- In Florida, relocating a child out of state without consent or court order can be considered a violation.
- For child custody issues, you may need to consult with a lawyer in Ohio, where the children currently reside.
- For child support arrears, Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Program can provide assistance. Their contact number is *-*-*.
There was no agreement
What steps have you taken so far to regain custody of your children?
Contacted lawyers and police and my childrens dad
What was the response from the police when you contacted them about this issue?
It is a civil issue
What is the date and location of your upcoming child support hearing?
September 6th polk county
What is the name of the court where your child support hearing is scheduled?
Polk county court house
Polk County Courthouse is located at * N Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL *, USA. Their contact number is +* *-*-*.
Ok
Have you informed the court about your children's father moving out of state with them without your consent?

General Information:
- In Ohio, you may need to file a petition for custody modification.
- Polk County Courthouse can provide further assistance. Their contact number is +* *-*-*.
No because we just now are getting a hearing
What is the name of the judge presiding over your case? This information can help you prepare for your hearing.
Not sure
Do you have any documentation or evidence of the father's promise to return the children to you after your legal issues were resolved?
No we did a hand written note
Do you still have the handwritten note and does it specify the terms of the agreement? This could potentially be used as evidence in court.
I do not
What steps have you taken to locate your children in Ohio?
Private investigatior and child protection services
What was the outcome of the investigation by the private investigator and child protection services?
Cps did not disclose any information. PI was able to verify address of kids
What actions have you taken since the private investigator was able to verify the address of your children?
Sent letterss
What was the response, if any, to the letters you sent?
S
What was the response, if any, to the letters you sent?
I have sent letters
Did you receive any response to the letters you sent to your children's current address?
No
What is the current status of your legal issues that led to your incarceration?
I was sentenced and pleaded guilty
Have you completed your sentence and are you currently on probation or parole?
Completed sentence no probation or parole
What is your plan for the upcoming child support hearing?
See if i can speak about child custody and him relocating
What is the current status of your sobriety and do you have any proof of it? This could be beneficial in your case.
Sober since * and g
Do you have any documentation or evidence to prove your sobriety since *?
Yes
What is the name of the judge presiding over your child support hearing?
Not sure
What is the name of the judge presiding over your child support hearing?
Keith spoto
What is the nature of your relationship with the father of your children currently?
None
What is the current status of your employment and income?
Unemployed
What steps are you taking to secure employment?
Actively searching
What type of job are you seeking and do you have any leads or interviews lined up?
Customer service and yes * interviews
What is the date of your last contact with your children?
May *
What is the current status of your relationship with your children's father?
None
What is the current status of your relationship with your children?
Have not been able to speak to them
What steps have you taken to establish communication with your children?