Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

...my daughter is 17, her dad and I share joint custody, but I have primary custody. We live in different school districts. My daughter has ran away to her dad's house because I will not let her see a boy who is a known criminal, but her dad will. My question is this...what are my legal ramifications? I know that he cannot legal transfer her schools, but can she legally drop out of school? I was told she has to be 18 to do it without a parent consent. And how many days does she have to miss before she is truant? And if her dad is helping her miss school, can he be held legally for contributing to the deliquency of a minor?...Thank you.


Asked on 1/22/12, 9:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Anthony Smith LawSmith

You need to consult first with the attorney that represnted you in the divorce or custody case. They already have much of hte facts, so they can p[roblaby give you useful advice sooner.

Untile then, do not assume that custody cannot be changed, or that your daughter cannot enroll in the other school district. These are things that you can use the court's custody Order to have changed back. But, they are nto automtic bars form a school district allowing your daughter to enroll (her father lives in the district) as it usually only takes one p[arent's signature to enroll a child. Due to her age, the court may well give strong deference to your daughter's choice of whom to live with. You may be able to cite reasons the court previously palced the child with you, to countermand her preference. If you cannot go see yoru previous attorney, and you want to fight your daughter changing her residence, then you need to see another family law attorney in your area. Many offer a free or low cost initial consultation. Take your standing custody and support Order with you.

Good luck

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Answered on 1/23/12, 7:33 am


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