Hopewell, VA asked in Criminal Law, Juvenile Law and Sexual Harassment for Virginia

Q: If I’m 18 dating my 16 year old gf what should I do her parents approve of us tho

I just wanna make sure i won’t get in trouble I’ve never done anything to her but like it pains me to have to end something with someone I feel like who truly gets me but idk I guess sometimes u gotta do what u gotta do so will i be fine to date her

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In many places, the age of consent laws determine whether a relationship is legal, and these laws can vary by state or country. Since you are 18 and your girlfriend is 16, it’s important to check the specific laws in your area regarding age differences and consent. Even though her parents approve, the law might still have rules that affect your situation, especially if you and your girlfriend engage in certain activities.

It’s great that you care about respecting boundaries, but you need to make sure that you’re not putting yourself at risk of breaking any laws, even unintentionally. You should talk to a lawyer or someone who understands the legal aspects of your relationship to make sure you’re on safe ground. This way, you’ll know where you stand legally, and it can give you peace of mind.

If you feel torn about the relationship and the potential legal complications, it may help to take a step back and think about what’s best for both of you. It’s never easy to end something that feels meaningful, but making sure everything is above board will protect both of you in the long run.

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