Legal Question in Family Law in New York

legally being not responsible for a 17 year old child

we have a soon to be 18 yr old son, he has been stealing money from us, he has been in rehab in the past, he just keeps stealing money when ever he can, we want him out of our house now, what can we do? none of this has been reported to the police yet, he is a high school drop out also. he will not obey any curfew rules.


Asked on 5/15/04, 6:58 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Stephen Loeb Law Office of Stephen R. Loeb

Re: legally being not responsible for a 17 year old child

You question indicates that you know your options. The solution is difficult and your call to make. You can choose to get the police involved, however once you bring in the authorities the ball is out of your hands, if the District Attorney decides to prosecute, you can no longercontrol whether or ont your son receives punishment or the level of punishment.

Should you like to discuss this or any other legal matter, you can call my office to schedule an appointment for a consultation or in the alternative, I can be reached for on-phone low-cost legal consultation at 1-800-275-5336 x0233699.

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Answered on 5/17/04, 10:15 am
Phroska L. McAlister PHROSKA LEAKE McALISTER

Re: legally being not responsible for a 17 year old child

At this stage it's like having an elephant sized tiger in the house,...not much you can do.

But,....

Either send him away from you, a Residential school,maybe a Forestry training program; or a Big relative that is interested in taking him on; or some other plan of the like. OR you and your family can relocate, where you are living, Without notice to him or others that might assist him in finding you. You would need to remain absent from his life for a while ( min of a few months).

Maybe he'll eventually learn.... and maybe he will not. But, in the meantime you need to save yourselves from his destructivness; and struggle to find himself?.

Yes, I'm suggesting that you "run away." Often that is the only way to get rid of t h e m. I am assuming you have or will have tried everything you could to help him.

But, don't worry, they are like homing pigeons.

They don't stay gone; and not for long.

GOOD LUCK,

PHROSKA L. McALISTER,ESQ

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Answered on 5/18/04, 7:16 pm


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