QUESTION
If my stepdaughter is 18, can her mother call the police and say she is a runaway?
Asked on Apr 30th, 2013 on Child Custody - Missouri
More details to this question:
My stepdaughter has been with her father and I for the past 4 days and her mother told her if she don't go home on Thursday, she will call the police and say she is a runaway. She has 20 days of school left until she graduates.
10 ANSWERS
Although she is 18, she isn't emancipated until she graduates high school.
Answered on May 09th, 2013 at 2:08 PM
Commercial Contracts Attorney serving Boise, ID
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Peters Law, PLLC
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She can call the police, but when they show up, make sure her birth certificate or driver's license is available so that she can prove she is 18. Also, make sure she finishes school.
Answered on May 06th, 2013 at 10:36 PM
Divorce & Separation Attorney serving Menasha, WI
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Petit & Dommershausen, S.C.
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No, if she is 18 her mother cannot dictate where she lives.
Answered on May 06th, 2013 at 10:35 PM
Alternative Dispute Resolution Attorney serving Ventura, CA
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Zahn Law Office
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Once she is 18, she can live wherever she wants. The mom may call the police, but they won't do anything as the "child" is now an adult.
Answered on May 06th, 2013 at 10:35 PM
Business/ Commercial Attorney serving Seattle, WA
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Wolfstone, Panchot & Bloch, P.S., Inc.
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In Washington state, she is a legal adult at age 18. The police will not take any action on the "runaway" complaint. She should, however, complete her school year.
Answered on May 06th, 2013 at 10:21 PM
Children are emancipated when they turn 18, even if they are still in high school. If the mother has legal custody, she can contact the authorities, but I doubt they will become involved because the child is actually no longer a child, but is an adult.
Answered on May 06th, 2013 at 10:19 PM
Child Custody Attorney serving Denver, CO
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Sturniolo & Associates
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No she cannot report her as a runaway. Make sure you let the police know where she is now living.
Answered on May 06th, 2013 at 10:17 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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Very doubtful if she is 18 but see an attorney with details to be sure.
Answered on May 06th, 2013 at 9:54 PM
Family Law Attorney serving Las Vegas, NV
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Law Offices of Webster & Associates
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She is considered an adult at age 18. Her mother may call but I don't see the police getting involved.
Answered on May 06th, 2013 at 9:49 PM
Once your daughter turns 17, she is considered an adult here in Missouri.
Answered on May 06th, 2013 at 9:26 PM