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Juvenile Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Louisiana on
Q: Could a minor elope?

Legally, if my research has been correct, one can get engaged at any age. However, I am getting mixed answers when it comes to marraige itself. Could someone between the ages of 16 and eighteen get married without parental consent (if one of the individuals parents both consent)?

Ellen Cronin Badeaux
Ellen Cronin Badeaux
answered on Aug 5, 2021

16 & 17 year olds need parental consent to marry.

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Juvenile Law on
Q: Im looking for an attorney for my husbanhds case in Okanogan county Washington if u know or will take on this case
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 4, 2021

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week, and time is often of the essence with appeals. You could continue to await a response, but this forum doesn't work like an attorney referral service. Attorneys can't generally reach out to the public. But... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Litigation and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How can I be granted emancipation as a pregnant minor under 18?

If I am pregnant and just under the age 16 can a marriage license be granted by a judge if me and my partner are financially stable, have transportation, and a house?

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Aug 3, 2021

Depends on the age of the partner. A judge may grant a marriage license but it has to be shown to be in your best interests and the parents need to consent.

https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/child-marriage-laws-age-requirements-pennsylvania-metoo-20181005.html

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: I'm 17 . parent is non compliant of a court order, I refuse to stay with my toxic mom, hasn't supported me is CO void

I've been living with my grandparents for almost 8 months. They've supported me 100%. Mom agreed and even threw me out ( step dad did to) one time. She is toxic emotionally and physically, to me. I lose interest in school and life in general. I'm 17, a Senior in high school have... View More

Camila Martin
Camila Martin
answered on Jul 29, 2021

You should have your father consult with an attorney to try to modify the current timesharing order so the Judge can make a determination of what is the best for you based on your current situation. Another alternative will be to file for emancipation, but you will need to meet all the statutory... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Juvenile Law and Family Law for New York on
Q: Girlfriend left me. Left her teen behind. No guardian.I have no income. Teen's Dad long gone. CPS won't return calls.
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on Jul 27, 2021

You need to call the CPS hotline in Albany and make a report of a teen with no parents and no support. They have to send someone out within 48 hours to check on the situation and make a determination.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Kentucky on
Q: Can the police department and social services come to my house and question my 16 year old daughter

her friend ran away from foster care and they think she knows where she went. Even threatened to get me arrested if she didn't tell. Lil upset about this

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jul 27, 2021

They should not without an adult guardian present, no.

1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes, Family Law, Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: cps lied in affidavit, lied on the notice of removal, attorney isnt responding to my calls, false drug test ? what to do

allegation were physical abuse, in which in the affidavit my child stated to not be true, presumptive marijuana test when i delivered my child but my baby passed all testing for drugs and mental issues but i was reported by a mental dr that i didnt qualify for mental services. the judge who signed... View More

Michael Hamilton Rodgers
Michael Hamilton Rodgers
answered on Jul 24, 2021

We hear these kinds of pleas for help far too often in Texas due to the nature of our system. I won't go into all the systemic problems which contribute to the CPS nightmare which you find yourself in. The good news is this: there is help out there. The bad news is this: the help you need is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: I'm having to go to a preliminary protective hearing for my children what can I take with me to help me get mychildren
Homer P Jordan IV
Homer P Jordan IV
answered on Jul 20, 2021

We would need to know more about your case in order to provide you with guidance. You may want to consult with an attorney who can review the case in detail and present you with the right route to address this.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Arizona on
Q: How many months is considered abandonment in arizona?
Stephen M Vincent
Stephen M Vincent
answered on Jul 20, 2021

Six months.

The standard for abandonment in Arizona is found in ARS 8-531(1), which reads: ""Abandonment" means the failure of a parent to provide reasonable support and to maintain regular contact with the child, including providing normal supervision. Abandonment includes...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: Is there much that a policeman can do about this situation?

I’m 17. I’m two months away from being 18. I’m moving out and teaming with a trusted friend as a roommate and I’m going back to work and I have a small business as well. I just don’t want to be at home anymore. Is there not much a policeman can do since I’m so close to being 18? I... View More

Michael D. Birchmore
Michael D. Birchmore
answered on Jul 19, 2021

Forget emancipation. Not enough time to make that work. Until you are 18, your parents rule the roost. Should an adult help you move out before you are 18, that person could be charged with interference with custody. It's only 2 months. Focus on the positive things you should be doing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: Can my dad take my phone away if i’m 17 and he paid for it?

He paid for the phone and pays for the phone bill but he can just stop that can he take my phone legally?

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 19, 2021

Yes.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: Just a small question about court because I am clueless to everything…

When I spoke to the sheriffs, they told me they would provide a “public attorney” since I do not have the funds for one and it’s been a week and ever since all I get are advertisements in the mail but not the one that has been told to me… so my question is when or how will I get in contact... View More

Henry George Ferro
Henry George Ferro
answered on Jul 18, 2021

As a former judge and attorney of nearly forty years, my suggestion is that you actively pursue any appointed attorney or public defender so that you can keep yourself informed as to the status of your case…Nothing is worse than waiting for the day of court to find things out…This also applies... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Oklahoma on
Q: If a minor raped an adult in the state of Oklahoma, is there legal action that can be taken?
Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown
answered on Jul 16, 2021

Yes - both criminally and maybe civilly.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Child Custody, Constitutional Law and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: Can I be charged if I gave a ride to a minor that i did not know was running away

Sons gf lives with uncle and grandma her mom lives in Mexico she had a argument they told her to leave her mom talks to me ask me to give her a place to stay three days later she went home again with uncle and grandma following day she asked me to pick her up and drop off at a store for someone... View More

Michael Hamilton Rodgers
Michael Hamilton Rodgers
answered on Jul 16, 2021

The answer is "yes", you can be charged if the police have reason to believe you are not telling the truth about how much you knew. Quit talking to the police and get a lawyer. If the police believed you, they wouldn't be threatening to try to convince the D.A. to prosecute you.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Internet Law and Juvenile Law for New Jersey on
Q: My daughter is being cyberbullied by other students and the school is not doing anything to fix this. What to do?
Amber Forrester
Amber Forrester
answered on Jul 15, 2021

While you may not be able to do much to force the school to take action, there is a criminal offense in NJ pertaining to cyber-harassment (found on this site by searching for 2C:33-4.1) and you could file a complaint at the police department against those bullying her under that statute. That said,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Louisiana on
Q: At 18, can I legally move out of both my parents' homes despite still attending school?

I would be moving in with my girlfriend and her parents (with their consent). I wanted to know if my parents would still have any legal authority over me.

Ellen Cronin Badeaux
Ellen Cronin Badeaux
answered on Jul 14, 2021

At 18 you can live where ever you like.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Is it possible to sign my rights away to my out of control 16 year old?

He runs away constantly, has wrecked cars, is using drugs and alcohol, stolen cars, and violates curfew constantly. Dropped out of school and has been inpatient 5 times over last 7 months.

Pete David Louden
Pete David Louden
answered on Jul 13, 2021

Sign rights away to who?

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: Hello, I’ve been losing sleep and having stress about courtday. It’s my first time getting a misdemeanor (812.015)

I don’t want to go to jail and I have a son to support and a in the middle of a divorce. I’ve gotten out of a toxic relationship and dealt with abuse growing up and the father is not taking any responsibility for child, the wrong I’ve done is that I took some redbull and used giftcards to... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 13, 2021

Hold on there... DO NOT EVEN THINK OF ending your life over something like this. Only a Florida attorney who practices criminal defense should advise here. But your question was alarming in its nature. You're gonna get through this. Hopefully a Florida attorney knowledgeable in criminal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Kentucky on
Q: I'm 17 and I'm turning 18 in three months. Can I legal move out of the home now without getting into trouble?
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jul 11, 2021

Not unless your parents approve it.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law and Social Security for Arizona on
Q: If I’m 17 and in Arizona and I run away to Chicago can my parents do anything about it?

Which state’s laws have the most jurisdiction in this situation? I know that in Illinois if a 17 year old voluntarily runs away the police will not force them home because It was voluntary, does that apply to this Scenario?

Kenneth Prigmore
Kenneth Prigmore
answered on Jul 8, 2021

I am not an Arizona attorney. However, your question raises issues that you will need to consider for your personal safety and survival. It will take you a couple minutes to read, but it may save your life.

1- Be absolutely sure you need to leave home now. If your parents are causing you...
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