Q: If my 17 year old child were to move out of my house and I did not want her to, is there anything that can be done?
If I filed a missing persons report would they bring her back even she says she is safe? Does the law see her as old enough to make this decision? I’ve heard of other kids doing this.
A: This is one of those topics in which legal theory and reality don't match very well. Technically, she is still a minor and you can report her as a runaway, or if you know where she is, ask the police to bring her back. However, there's a limit to what you can realistically force her to do. Outside of having her committed to a juvenile center, you can't really force her to stay in your house if she doesn't want to stay. Also, any legal action you sought is not likely to conclude before she turned 18 and was no longer under your legal care. Yes, there are legal remedies for you, but they are not likely to be very helpful in the long term. Talk to an experienced family attorney local to you.
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