Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

What constitutes interference with custody?

1. Taking a child from lawful custody

2. Going through a divorce

3. Adopting a child

4. Changing a child's school

The correct answer is: Taking a child from lawful custody

Interference with custody refers specifically to actions that unlawfully disrupt the legal custodial rights of an individual, particularly when it involves a child. Taking a child from lawful custody clearly falls within this definition, as it directly undermines the established legal arrangements regarding who has the right to care for and make decisions for the child. In the context of custody, lawful custodians typically include parents or guardians who have been granted rights through legal processes, such as court orders or custody agreements. Any act that deprives these custodial individuals of their rights—such as physically removing a child against their will—constitutes interference with custody and can have serious legal consequences. The other options presented do not involve actions that disrupt lawful custodial rights. Going through a divorce may affect custody agreements but is not an act of interference itself, while adopting a child is a legal procedure that often involves transferring custody rights with the approval of a court. Changing a child's school, unless done in violation of custody agreements, does not inherently constitute interference with custody either, as custodial parents typically have the right to make decisions about their child's education.