Q: I was granted custody of my daughter until she turns 18. Can she move out without my permission when she turns 17.
Everybody keeps telling her she can. I need to know what the law says about this. It was court ordered that I have custody until the age of 18. Her grandparents keeps telling her it doesn't matter what me or the papers say, that when she turns 17 she can move out.
A:
Legally, she is unable to move out or do anything until she is 18 in Missouri. She cannot sign a lease or enter any sort of contract. You can also report her as a runaway.
However, just because you can legally do something does not mean it must be done. There is a reason your 17 year old wants to move out and her grandparents are encouraging it. I do not know the specifics of what is going on or where your daughter intends to move, but the best thing you can do is talk to her to discuss the practicality of actually living on her own--rent, utilities, cooking, cleaning, car payments, car insurance, rental insurance, etc.
A: No, she cannot. Unless the court orders a change of custody, or grants her an emancipation, then you have custody until she is 18. If she tries to move out before then, she will be considered a runaway.
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