Emancipation Possibility in Florida

[jxalwlgi]

I would first like to admit that I am asking these questions on behalf of a friend. She is 17 years old (just turned 17 a week ago or so) and she is having extreme problems in her family, but the whole problem is the father. The problems with the father have gotten to the point where it seems that she may be getting slightly suicidal. The father stays at home all day (he has 2 kids including her) and takes the paychecks for all the money they make. The other kid is 20. He charges her what he calls "rent" of a rate I would rather not say, just to keep anonymous, but higher then the rent of a nice apartment. He also charges them for the car insurance and cell phone which he takes away 90% of the time from them anyway. The father has been known to hit both of the kids before, but i'm not sure if department of children and families have gotten involved before. Almost everyday he calls her names that I won't even ever repeat in my life time. It is an extremely unhealthy environment for either child (even though the other is over 18). She can make enough money to live on her own, but the problem is her father won't let her work full time. She has her GED also. There is no way the father will ever sign the consent for emancipation. Is there anything that can be done? I'm scared to think what will happen if this continues to stay like that for them. The place to live, transportation, and everything else can be proven that she will be fine (besides the money which I mentioned above). Please shed some light on this situation. I do not want her to end up in a foster home either if department of children and families does get involved.

[panther10758]

I would first like to admit that I am asking these questions on behalf of a friend. She is 17 years old (just turned 17 a week ago or so) and she is having extreme problems in her family, but the whole problem is the father. The problems with the father have gotten to the point where it seems that she may be getting slightly suicidal. The father stays at home all day (he has 2 kids including her) and takes the paychecks for all the money they make. The other kid is 20. He charges her what he calls "rent" of a rate I would rather not say, just to keep anonymous, but higher then the rent of a nice apartment. He also charges them for the car insurance and cell phone which he takes away 90% of the time from them anyway. The father has been known to hit both of the kids before, but i'm not sure if department of children and families have gotten involved before. Almost everyday he calls her names that I won't even ever repeat in my life time. It is an extremely unhealthy environment for either child (even though the other is over 18). She can make enough money to live on her own, but the problem is her father won't let her work full time. She has her GED also. There is no way the father will ever sign the consent for emancipation. Is there anything that can be done? I'm scared to think what will happen if this continues to stay like that for them. The place to live, transportation, and everything else can be proven that she will be fine (besides the money which I mentioned above). Please shed some light on this situation. I do not want her to end up in a foster home either if department of children and families does get involved.

In Florida its the parents who must file the petition

[jxalwlgi]

In Florida its the parents who must file the petition

Yes, I acknowledge that, but can't you also have the guardianship changed to someone else if DCF finds something wrong with this situation? I can't see how any of what they're doing is legal.

[panther10758]

If DCF has not removed the minor they must feel the situation is workable. Perhaps a consulatation with a Family Law Attorney might be wise for this situation