Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

One attorney says you can move out at 17 and one says no you can't. If a 17 year old was told to leave by the father, but now the father says he will call the police because they consider him a runaway. Which is it, can he legally move out or not. And is the person he is staying with considered harboring a run away or giving shelter to one kicked out of his home.


Asked on 6/18/13, 9:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Fran Brochstein Attorney & Mediator

So call the police, sheriff and constable and ask them what they would do.

The policing agencies don't have time to run out to every house that has a "family" crisis but this is how cops get shot!

Technically, you are still a "minor child" for civil purposes. But CPS won't get involved.

The courts don't have time to deal with your "family issue" and they don't you running away from home & living on the streets. The courts don't want to put you in a juvenile & having the county pay to house you since most counties don't have the money to pay for this.

I would suggest that your family enter therapy.

You need to recognize that if you leave -- you can leave but your "stuff" does not belong to you. Anything that your parents purchased (computer, phone, clothes, etc.) belongs to them. So you can leave with the clothes on your back. You can call the cops and ask them that too! If you have proof the thing you want to take was a gift then you can take it but you will need proof (birthday card) or your parent agreeing it was a gift given to you. Plus, the cops are not going to wait while you pack up your stuff. The cops don't have time to sit and watch you do this.

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Answered on 6/19/13, 9:43 am


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