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Alabama Juvenile Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: Can Child Protective Services go to my child's school and talk to them and ask them all kind of questions?

Questions they aren't even old enough to know the answer to. I was under the impression that I was supposed to at least be informed or something. I could be 100% wrong but now my babies are upset that these random people were asking them questions about me and their father. We stayed in a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

Child Protective Services (CPS) has the authority to visit your child's school and talk to them if they have received reports or concerns about a child's safety or well-being. However, in most cases, they are expected to inform parents or guardians about their visit and the reasons behind... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: Can I seek legal action against an adult who is helping my minor child skip school and hiding her at her house
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 1, 2023

In Alabama, if an adult is knowingly contributing to the delinquency of a minor, such as by helping your child skip school, you may have grounds for legal action. This can potentially be considered as contributing to truancy, which is a violation of compulsory education laws.

First,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: Grounds for termination of parental rights?

We have had custody of a family member since she was 4 months old. (Currently 4 years old) she was removed from her mom (dad unknown) right after birth due to the baby testing positive for meth. Mom has a long standing drug history and a lengthy criminal history associated. A couple months after... View More

Shane Michael Oncale
Shane Michael Oncale
answered on Sep 16, 2023

Well, first and foremost being in a courtroom battle is one of the most stressful times in anyone's life. Whether your counsel is appointed or retained you want and I would say need to feel comfortable with your representation. If you are not happy and don't feel comfortable it is wise... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: If my grandchild is 15 and horribly disrespectful in MANY ways, can I press charges and him be taking to bootcamp?

This child lives in my home and his mother as well. His mother lets him get away with literally EVERYTHING and won't do anything about his behavior. He has broken things in my home, disrespectful, smoking cigarettes, walks the roads whenever he pleases, cusses all the time and back talks... View More

Hayden Glass Sizemore
Hayden Glass Sizemore
answered on Dec 30, 2022

It is possible that you could file a CHINS (child in need of supervision) petition in the juvenile court for your county. However, before you seek that remedy, perhaps you should talk to the mother and explain your frustration with the child's behavior while the two are residing with you.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: im 17 but turn 18 in 6 monthes can i move out i live with my grandma i live in alabama
Hayden Glass Sizemore
Hayden Glass Sizemore
answered on Dec 30, 2022

Unfortunately, the age of majority is 19 in Alabama. If you are seeking to be treated as an adult, and be able to enter contracts (like leasing an apartment) you would need to be emancipated.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: Does Alabama have rights for an aunt if the mother dies?

So my sister died and she has 1 child. This child’s father is living, but can’t get custody of a dog if he wanted to, and has had prior cases where he was denied custody of other children. The child in question was given to his dads mom and it was court ordered for her to keep us in touch with... View More

Nelson Craig Johnson
Nelson Craig Johnson
answered on Sep 7, 2021

If the Court Order assigning custody lays out conditions that must be met then you can enforce them. However, if the Court granted custody without assigning those conditions then it is likely nothing could be done. Alabama has only recently recognized grandparents rights and the law is still a bit... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes, Gov & Administrative Law and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: Can a minor be placed on a national watchlist? Or any watchlist in general?

N/A

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 23, 2021

You say "any watchlist"-- a minor can be a person of interest to criminal justice agencies.

A minor could be on a no fly list.

If you are concerned that you are, you would want to avoid social media of any type, limit emails, and consult with a criminal defense attorney.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: Daughter is 16 and pregnant by her 17yr old boyfriend. His parents are threatening to take the child away from her.

His parents are threatening to take the baby away from her (when the baby is born) if she stops seeing him. He is verbally and emotionally abusive towards her, has exhibited controlling behaviors towards her. She believes they can do this based on what they told her a police friend told them they... View More

Shane Michael Oncale
Shane Michael Oncale
answered on May 4, 2021

If you wish to discuss this matter off line please feel free to contact me. This type of adult on child abuse makes me very angry and I would rather not air my feelings on this subject here as some may find it offensive. To start with the ages, depending on the birth dates involved, do not... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: I am 16 years old and pregnant. My boyfriend is 17. Can I legally move in with him without my parents permission?

My boyfriend still lives at home with his parents who think the world of me, and I them. Actually, his family is a lot more supportive of me than my own family. I would love to be able to move in with him and his parents. But I am concerned about all the “LAWS” with things like this in Alabama.... View More

Sheila Crumley Field
Sheila Crumley Field
answered on Nov 13, 2020

No you may not move out of your parents home into your boyfriends home. If you do, they can be arrested for interference with custody and you can also be charged as a juvenile offender for ungovernable. The age of majority in Alabama when you can decide what to do on your own is 19. However at 18,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: Can a 14 yr old kid get in trouble for running away?`

Can a 14 yr old kid also say no to going back to the place where the leaving conditions are bad, also can a 14 yr old kid get put in jail for running away.

Sheila Crumley Field
Sheila Crumley Field
answered on Sep 29, 2020

Yes you can get in trouble for running away. Call DHR and file a report and they will investigate. If there are terrible living conditions they will remove the child and put them with the neatest suitable relative or foster care if there are no suitable relatives.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: can a 15 year old girl go to jail for running away because they are being mistreated ?

& can a 15 year old choose to live with a close relative that they grew up with that basically raised them , because they feel that they are being mistreated ?

Sheila Crumley Field
Sheila Crumley Field
answered on Sep 29, 2020

Yes you can. You can go to juvenile for running away.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: can a 17 year old legally move out of his parents house at the age of 17 with out his parents consent
Sheila Crumley Field
Sheila Crumley Field
answered on Sep 1, 2020

No they cannot. They can be charged with ungovernable or as a runaway. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: Can an 18 year old legally move out even if her legal guardian says that she can't?

Several years ago, her father tricked her mother into signing over full custody. She is now 18 and has reached out to the mother and I and is wanting to move out of her father's house and move in with us. We are willing to take her in but her father keeps telling her that she cannot move out... View More

Sheila Crumley Field
Sheila Crumley Field
answered on Aug 9, 2020

If she’s 18 she can live where she wants to. They can’t charge her and no court is going to make her go home if she doesn’t want to.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: I cant get my 16 year old to mind me he has a girlfriend that is 14 and he sneaks to her house while her dad isnt home.

We live in Alabama what can i do

Sheila Crumley Field
Sheila Crumley Field
answered on Aug 9, 2020

Jesus! Call juvenile and have him arrested for ungovernable!!! He’s fixing to get into real trouble if that girl gets pregnant. Call her father and tell him what his daughter is let happening. Do anything to keep from your son being charged with rape 2nd and having to register as a sex offender... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: I've recently been served a Paternity/CS summons. I'm willing to pay CS,can I avoid court, testing and visitation?

Willing to provide honest income info, but do not desire visitation or parental rights. I also do not wish to contact the other parent or appear in court. Is there a legal way to do this, such as voluntary child support?

Sheila Crumley Field
Sheila Crumley Field
answered on May 8, 2020

Yes. You can admit paternity and submit your proof of income and they will adjudicate you the father and it will be over. Contact the attorney for DHR whose name is one the paperwork you received. He will be able to help you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: What do I need to do if my sixteen year old has a warrant
Mr. James Parrish Coleman
Mr. James Parrish Coleman
answered on Mar 30, 2020

To state the obvious, you need to call an attorney. A lawyer can often get a warrant withdrawn and allow the defendant to appear and post a bond. Get a lawyer who does juvenile dependency in Mobile County, or criminal defense. We do both and you can contact us if you like.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: How can I take someone off my daughters birth certificate if I haven't seen or known his residence since October 2019?

And my daughter is about to turn 2. I want to get her name changed.

Mr. James Parrish Coleman
Mr. James Parrish Coleman
answered on Mar 5, 2020

You will have to terminate his parental rights in the juvenile court.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: My sister abandoned her children

My sister moved to another state with her two younger children, age 12 & 16. She became homeless and could no longer afford to keep them. She dropped them off at her 22 year old home in Alabama. They were only was suppose to stay for the holidays. It’s been 4 months and she has not returned.... View More

Jared Dale Vaughn
Jared Dale Vaughn
answered on Feb 6, 2020

This honestly sounds like a situation where you might want to consider getting the Department of Human Resources involved. Also, I would recommend consulting with an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Internet Law and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: Can I move out if I get married at age 18 in the state of alabama?
Samuel G McKerall
Samuel G McKerall
answered on Jan 13, 2020

Yes, you can. You can also move out whether or not you get married, so if you're getting married just so you can move out, don't bother. Just move out, Now, whether you OUGHT to do either one - get married or move out - are different questions, but with respect to whether you CAN do... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: My son is currently 18 years old but will be 19 in 52 days. What are the requirements to be able to kick him out at 19?

Currently reside in the State of Alabama where the age of majority is 19.

William Jaksa
William Jaksa
answered on Sep 7, 2019

Simply telling them to leave should be enough. If not, then issuing them a trespass warning and involving the police would be the next step. If this fails, then a court order is your final and most expensive option.

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