Legal Question in Family Law in California

Divorcing your parents or other options

I have a friend who is living in an emotionally and sometimes physically abusive house. She is 17 years old, and will not turn 18 until October. Her parents are divorced and she lives with her mother. Her father lives in the city, but only visits on occasional weekends. Her mother appears to have anger issues that have been getting worse over the years. She often screams at my friend for no reason, telling her that she is worthless, disgusting, a slut (or any number of synonyms), and that she doesn't know how she can live with herself. My friend is slightly anemic, and when she gets sick her mom accuses her of being on drugs and makes her clean the entire house. On several occasions, her mother has threatened to hit her, and once slammed a door into her repeatedly. Her father refuses to take responsibility for her and cannot be trusted. Her own mental stability has been slowly declining, and I'm afraid that she is now having suicidal thoughts. What are her options as a minor?


Asked on 2/08/05, 2:32 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: Divorcing your parents or other options

This abusive situation could be reported to a teacher or school counsleor. This could result in her being placed in a foster home. She could obtain employment and have herself emancipated. then she could live where she wanted. Somewhat more risky would be to just find another home and move to that house.

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Answered on 2/08/05, 10:15 pm


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