[FL] How do I obtain guardianship of a minor?
Understood. Here’s what you can do in Florida to prevent international travel with your child:
- File an Emergency Motion in Family Court
- Ask for an emergency injunction/temporary restraining order to block international travel (Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.610).
- The court can prohibit leaving the country until a hearing.
- You’ll need to show a credible risk of abduction or harm (Fla. Stat. § 61.45).
- Establish Paternity & Custody (if not already finalized)
- File a Petition to Establish Paternity and for Related Relief to secure legal rights (time-sharing, parental responsibility).
- Courts decide based on the child’s best interests; your involvement matters.
- Request Passport Safeguards
- If the child has a passport, ask the court to order it surrendered/held.
- If no passport, object to issuance; typically both parents must consent.
File in the circuit court (family division) in your county. The clerk can give you the forms.
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How do I obtain guardianship in Florida?
Is this for a minor or an adult?
Minor.
Have you identified a potential guardian?
Yes.
Anything else the lawyer should know?
Yes.
Hey there! I’m Lori, an attorney. I’m live with you today—what’s your guardianship question?
I live with my girlfriend and our 15-month-old baby. She’s threatening to leave for Argentina on Saturday with the baby, and I want to prevent that. When the baby was born, I signed that I was the father.
Understood. Here’s what you can do in Florida to prevent international travel with your child:
- File an Emergency Motion in Family Court
- Ask for an emergency injunction/temporary restraining order to block international travel (Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.610).
- The court can prohibit leaving the country until a hearing.
- You’ll need to show a credible risk of abduction or harm (Fla. Stat. § 61.45).
- Establish Paternity & Custody (if not already finalized)
- File a Petition to Establish Paternity and for Related Relief to secure legal rights (time-sharing, parental responsibility).
- Courts decide based on the child’s best interests; your involvement matters.
- Request Passport Safeguards
- If the child has a passport, ask the court to order it surrendered/held.
- If no passport, object to issuance; typically both parents must consent.
File in the circuit court (family division) in your county. The clerk can give you the forms.
Thanks.
I hope that answers your question. Feel free to follow up if you need anything else.
