Marcus Hook, PA asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania

Q: My grandparents are threatening to put a restraining order my boyfriend, but they dont have custody of me, I'm 16 hes 17

they are threatening to put a restraining order on my boyfriend because he is black and they don't want me seeing him, they are trying to say he put his hands on me but never did. I live under there roof but they do not have custody of me.

my mom knows my boyfriend and likes him. She lets me see him. She recently got locked up but before then I was still living with my grandparents. ever since she got locked up my grandparents been calling the cops on me everytime I'm with my boyfriend and lying to the cops saying they don't know where I am nor talked to me when I call and text them everyday I'm not home.

2 Lawyer Answers
Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Norristown, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: Sounds like a rough situation you're in - sorry to hear it. The only "restraining order" your grandparents might be able to obtain against your boyfriend is a Protection from Abuse Order, with them filing on your behalf (since you're a minor). They'd have to swear under oath, however, that abuse took place -- and if they provide false information, they'd be committing perjury, which is a felony in Pennsylvania.

Best advice to you -- and this is non-legal -- might be to keep your contact with your boyfriend on the down-low, and don't rub it in your grandparents' faces. Best of luck to you.

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Media, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: And so here's the other half of your question. You also asked if you're boyfriend's family could get custody of you. Please consider what I said before. It's apparent that they're trying to keep you safe. Is it possible that they could meet your boyfriend and have a civil conversation with him, perhaps several? Usually once people see that someone doesn't appear to provide a threat to their child's (or in your case, grandchild's) safety, they come around. It just takes some people longer than others. I have to say that I would not advise you to sneak around behind their backs as my colleague suggests. That's about the worst thing you could do in my opinion.

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