My daughter is seventeen years old and wants to fly to Florida to visit her sister. I have said no, but her mother said she's buying the ticket and sending her anyway. Our divorce paper states that she has to have my permission to leave the state, so what can I do if she sends her? I know she would be in contempt, but what will happen to her?

Just out of curiosity, why have you said no? (I traveled 600+ miles alone from college to home and back again when I was 17.)

It's a matter of punishment for her grades and disrespect!

I know this comes down to a legal issue, and I am not a legal expert, but am curious about the disrespect. Also, is there ongoing conflict about other stuff with your daughter's mother?

... I know she would be in contempt, but what will happen to her?

I suspect that, were your chld's mother to bother to go to court to over-ride your refusal to consent, the court would approve the trip. Maybe not, grades and respect to one's parent are important, but I would guess a trip of this nature is not what the out-of-state travel veto is for.

Assuming all of that, it could be that the court will let her off with a slap on the wrist. Just my guess.

Also, I suspect the court's requirement about leaving the state has to do with moving, not visiting. So, I don't think there would be consequences for her going for a visit.

I agree, I have serious doubts the "out of state" has anything to do with visits, vacation or other travel. It is about moving out of state.

Also there is nothing you can really do to stop her except attempt to take her to court but unless you have joint legal custody I doubt there will be much you can do.

If she is going to be there for a long time, Then your rights to visit with the child could be impaired.

I agree, I have serious doubts the "out of state" has anything to do with visits, vacation or other travel. It is about moving out of state.

Also there is nothing you can really do to stop her except attempt to take her to court but unless you have joint legal custody I doubt there will be much you can do.

If she is going to be there for a long time, Then your rights to visit with the child could be impaired.

In my orders out of state was anytime. Did not matter if it was for a visit or just a 5 minute trip. That is why you were suppose to always notify if crossing a state line with the child. In some cases it can be considered kidnapping.