751.01 Purpose of act.—The purposes of this chapter are to: (1) Recognize that many minor children in this state live with and are well cared for by members of their extended families. The parents of these children have often provided for their care by placing them temporarily with another family member who is better able to care […]
751.011 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term: (1) “Concurrent custody” means that an eligible extended family member is awarded custodial rights to care for a child concurrently with the child’s parent or parents. (2) “Extended family member” means a person who is: (a) A relative of a minor child within the third degree by blood or marriage to […]
751.02 Temporary or concurrent custody proceedings; jurisdiction.— (1) The following individuals may bring proceedings in the circuit court to determine the temporary or concurrent custody of a minor child: (a) Any extended family member who has the signed, notarized consent of the child’s legal parents; or (b) Any extended family member who is caring full time for the child […]
751.03 Petition for temporary or concurrent custody; contents.—Each petition for temporary or concurrent custody of a minor child must be verified by the petitioner, who must be an extended family member, and must contain statements, to the best of the petitioner’s knowledge and belief, providing: (1) The name, date of birth, and current address of the child. […]
751.04 Notice and opportunity to be heard.—Before a decree is made under this chapter, reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard must be given to the parents of the minor child by service of process, either personal or constructive. History.—s. 5, ch. 93-104; s. 6, ch. 2010-30.
751.05 Order granting temporary or concurrent custody.— (1) At the hearing on the petition for temporary or concurrent custody, the court must hear the evidence concerning a minor child’s need for care by the petitioner, all other matters required to be set forth in the petition, and the objections or other testimony of the child’s parents, if […]
