What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Alabama
Hello! I have a 17 year old step-daughter who has left home. Her mother is the custodial parent, but has kicked her out/she has runaway numerous times - most recently in January when she moved in with us - although we have made no changes to the custody agreement and child support is still paid to her mother. She has a history of becoming both physically and verbally abusive when she is mad - specifically when she hears the word no. We have taken her to therapy, the police have been called, she's met with a judge in the juvenile system. All to no avail. Since graduating in mid-May - her behavior has been escalating. She pays no attention to curfew, goes out every night, sleeps until 3:00, works only 8 hours a week, sneaks out if she is punished and steals the car. We have no idea where she is most of the time or with whom. Several days ago after sneaking out and stealing the car my husband told her to return home of the car would be reported stolen.
She returned home, packed a few of her things gave my husband the car and house keys and took off with a friend. Now she is "living" with an older girl with whom she works. My husband has said that while he will pay her college tuition, he will not pay for a dorm room or car unless her behaviour changes. He has also made her mother (with whom his relationship is acrimonious at best) aware that this child has left our home. My question is what are the legal repercussions for us in this situation. In Alabama she is considered a dependent until 19. Many thanks for any advice you can give!
Hello! I have a 17 year old step-daughter who has left home. Her mother is the custodial parent, but has kicked her out/she has runaway numerous times - most recently in January when she moved in with us - although we have made no changes to the custody agreement and child support is still paid to her mother. She has a history of becoming both physically and verbally abusive when she is mad - specifically when she hears the word no. We have taken her to therapy, the police have been called, she's met with a judge in the juvenile system. All to no avail. Since graduating in mid-May - her behavior has been escalating. She pays no attention to curfew, goes out every night, sleeps until 3:00, works only 8 hours a week, sneaks out if she is punished and steals the car. We have no idea where she is most of the time or with whom. Several days ago after sneaking out and stealing the car my husband told her to return home of the car would be reported stolen.
She returned home, packed a few of her things gave my husband the car and house keys and took off with a friend. Now she is "living" with an older girl with whom she works. My husband has said that while he will pay her college tuition, he will not pay for a dorm room or car unless her behaviour changes. He has also made her mother (with whom his relationship is acrimonious at best) aware that this child has left our home. My question is what are the legal repercussions for us in this situation. In Alabama she is considered a dependent until 19. Many thanks for any advice you can give!