I get this threat in every argument we have. She wants to move away, take our 5 year old with her, to live with family or a friend in another state CA or WI. We live together now in FL, over a year. My boy is so attached to me, he would be really hurt emotionally. I don't like living with her either, but she won't get work and find a place of her own nearby. What options do I have? I asked the sheriff and they said even if I had court ordered visitation or even full custody, they cannot stop her from taking our child away, period. All they do is keep the peace, and it's a civil matter they say. It's like there is no justice here to protect my child's best interest. I am even a little afraid to file papers because she will use it as her excuse to take off. We aren't married either. It's just a real mess right now. We really hate each other although I try not to show it. I hate having to worry about this problem. I cannot afford to chase my child around the country either. Even expensive lawyer's seem like a waste of energy to me. What good is a court order if it cannot be enforced by a peace officer? It's ridiculous to me. Any advice folks?

I asked the sheriff and they said even if I had court ordered visitation or even full custody, they cannot stop her from taking our child away, period. All they do is keep the peace, and it's a civil matter they say.
Correct.It is not the Police business.Only if you have order where it is stated that you have visitation on Monday,20 September 2010 from 4 pm to 7pm the Police may enforce it.

What options do I have?
The only option is filing in Court for custody and visitation determination.