Hinz v. Johnson

Joyce and Steven Hinz appeal from an order denying their petition for primary residential custody of their grandson. The child’s mother was alleged to have consented to the Hinzes’ request and the child’s father was alleged to be unknown. The trial court denied the petition, finding that it could not grant permanent residential custody to the Hinzes “absent findings made pursuant to Chapter 39, Florida Statutes, or an adoption order entered pursuant to Chapter 63.” We reverse.

Trial courts have inherent jurisdiction to determine issues of custody. Richardson v. Richardson, 766 So.2d 1036, 1043…