Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

My mom is the only person with custody of me but ive been staying at my dad who has only one day a year for visiting. Im 17 and in Az ive been told i can go if my mom knows where i am. But my dad has threatened me and my bf(whom i will be with) and he stalks me and him. What do i do.


Asked on 3/29/15, 11:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Joan Bundy Joan Bundy Law

Until you turn 18 and become an adult, you have to follow your parents' wishes or any court orders regarding child custody. If your parents aren't following the orders or have change the schedule since then, it's their responsibility to get that modified with the court, not you. Regardless, you cannot live on your own unless a court emancipates you; that means you can prove to the court that you can support yourself fully and be completely independent (not just a full-time student). You would have to apply to the court for emancipation. I would think long and hard before doing that, though, because you only have a year (or less) to go before you reach the age of majority and can make all your own decisions. Unless your parent(s) are abusive/neglectful toward you (the kind of stuff that could get you taken away by CPS) I get concerned when I hear about young people wanting to live with their boyfriends/girlfriends because oftentimes they aren't finishing high school, may get pregnant, not going to college, not working, etc. I'm sure you're a very responsible young lady; I'm just talking about the dangers that are out there. I do wish the best of luck whatever you decide.

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Answered on 3/30/15, 8:37 am


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