Q: I am 17, would I be able to get a restraining order against my dad?
I currently live with my grandparents and my father David I guess you can say lives here (mainly just spends the night). He started using drugs again about a year ago and ever since then we haven't talked. He currently has custody over me but he has not done one single thing to help me in school, hasn't bought me clothes, nothing. He is constantly having drug users in front of the house that will wait for David to come out and i think that he is selling drugs whenever he is home. Some will try and talk to me and on several occasions I been followed by the drug users. I shouldn't have to be worried about being in front of my house and being harassed. He never talks to my grandma in a calm way, just yells at her for something he lost and blames it on her. I can not just sit and be quiet while he is constantly disrespecting this house and my grandma , she is too old to be dealing with all of this. She is currently 70 years old. My grandparents wont do anything about it so I want to.
A: You can report this to Child Protective Services and to the police. You can hire a lawyer to file for a restraining order for you, or perhaps CPS may do so. You may also file a petition for emancipation. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.
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