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

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
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

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

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.
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

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
N/A

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.
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

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
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

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
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.

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.
& 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 ?

answered on Sep 1, 2020
No they cannot. They can be charged with ungovernable or as a runaway. Good luck.
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

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.
We live in Alabama what can i do

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
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?

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.

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

answered on Mar 5, 2020
You will have to terminate his parental rights in the juvenile court.
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

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.

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

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.

answered on Apr 30, 2019
Hello. No, until you are 19, you are covered under the Court order from your parent's divorce or custody matter. It sounds like you need to discuss this issue with your parents and let them take the necessary legal steps to make this happen. It has possible child support and tax implications,... View More
my son is diagnosed and receives ssi from the government for his condition. They havet him in a school with other children who have been kicked out of regular school for fighting and other things. My son has an iep and they put in a secial needs kid with bullies and when he stands up for himself he... View More

answered on Oct 18, 2018
I am sad to read about this matter.
I am struck that you would follows anyone's recommendation to physically punish your special needs child. Have you ever attended your child's IEP review?
Have you ever sought out the independent ombudsmen who assist in these situations?... View More
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