My soon-to-be ex-wife and I are in the process of a divorce involving one minor child in the state of Maryland. She filed the papers and there is a temporary custody hearing scheduled in July.
The ex moved from Maryland to Florida in February or March and left our child behind in Maryland with me, where she has remained since then. Last week I traveled to Florida to visit some of my family and while I was there, I allowed our daughter to visit with the mother for the weekend. For whatever reason, she decided to not return the child to me and she is now hiding out with her at an unknown location.
I have documentation proving that the child has been living with me since at least March and although the Florida Department of Children and Families is investigating on my behalf, I was told by several people that the State of Maryland has full jurisdiction over the child due to the pending hearing(s). Is that correct? If so, does that mean the State of Maryland can require that she be returned until the hearings are completed? If that is the case, how do I petition the courts for such an order?
I have spent countless hours calling and researching and I have found information that leads me to believe this is true, but I have not found a way to verify it or ensure that an order is granted. In the meantime, I have had to cancel my flights back to Maryland, rent a car for almost 2 weeks now, and I am living out of a suitcase while trying to bring my daughter home. I will not be leaving Florida until I do so. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

