17 year old to move with his father.

[jackbrown]

What is the name of your state? Louisiana.

I'm a 17 year old and I currently live with my mom and stepdad. My father lives in Argentina, and I want to move in with him but my mom refuses to let me go, even to visit him. Almost a year ago I tried to run away and got very close, the point is the police said that in Louisiana the age at which a minor can move out of the house without the parents' consent is 17. The problem is that when I attempted this, my parents confiscated my passport along with other documents. Although, according to the police, I am now able to choose which of my parents I want to live with, I go to Argentina because I dont have any of my documents. Is it legal for my parents to keep my personal documents and keep me here against my will, and to prohibit me from seeing my father? Is there any way I can make them return my passport to me?

 

[stealth2]

Your Mom most certainly can hold on to your papers until you are a legal adult. Which is 18. And if there is nothing in the divorce/visitation order regarding out of country visitation - she can likely keep you from leaving the country to see your Dad.

 

[Crazed98]

Your father could take your mother to court but it will cost lost of $.

 

[jackbrown]

none

In fact, there is a document that my dad signed when he gave custody to my mom and stepdad. It says that I should be allowed to visit him. When I told the cops at the airport about this, they asked to see it, but realizing it was in spanish they did not care to have it translated and sent me home. I dont understand why one would be able to leave the house at 17, but not if your parents are keeping your documents ransom. It doesnt make sense. If indeed the police is right that the LA state law is that at this age I can leave, then I should be given my documents. Doesnt my dad have a right to see me?

 

[Crazed98]

Yes your dad has a right to see you especially if there is that document that he signed giving him visitation rights. Being 18 you are still under your parent's control but being 17 you can choose which parent you want to live with.

You can't simply leave and go to your dad's house because your mom currently has custody. But if your mom signss the rights over to your dad then you can live with him.

Since your mom isn't letting you even see your dad it is all up to your father to press charges.

 

[jackbrown]

My dad lives over there and cant afford to come to the states to sue my mom. By the way, did you mean that at 16 you're still under your parents' control?

 

[Happy Trails]

My dad lives over there and cant afford to come to the states to sue my mom. By the way, did you mean that at 16 you're still under your parents' control?

No, they meant 18. The age of majority in Louisiana is 18; unless emancipated earlier by notarial act, marriage or judicial determination: if child is still in high school, then age 19, or upon graduation from high school, whichever occurs first.

 

[Crazed98]

My dad lives over there and cant afford to come to the states to sue my mom. By the way, did you mean that at 16 you're still under your parents' control?

Then you can't run away from home your mom has control of you.

The only way out is to become emacipated at 18 or your dad takes your mom to court.

 

[stealth2]

Yes your dad has a right to see you especially if there is that document that he signed giving him visitation rights.

NO! Only if it was ALSO signed by a judge. Without a judge's signature, it is unenforceable.

Being 18 you are still under your parent's control but being 17 you can choose which parent you want to live with.

NO! A judge would likely take a 17yo's wishes into account and give them significant weight. But that does NOT mean a 17yo gets to choose where to live.

 

[Crazed98]

Stealth I am assuming the document if there is one was made in court and signed by a judge.

Usually at 17 you can choose which parent you want to live with. If both your parents work and are positive role models it is usually up to the child. When my parents divorced I had a choice even though my dad wasn't as stable as my mother.

 

[stealth2]

Stealth I am assuming the document if there is one was made in court and signed by a judge.

Dude - you know what happens when you assume.

Usually at 17 you can choose which parent you want to live with. If both your parents work and are positive role models it is usually up to the child. When my parents divorced I had a choice even though my dad wasn't as stable as my mother.

This is solely at the discretion of the judge. There are some 17yo's who can't be trusted to zip their pants after taking a wizz - you think they're competent to choose where to live?

 

[Crazed98]

Dude - you know what happens when you assume.



This is solely at the discretion of the judge. There are some 17yo's who can't be trusted to zip their pants after taking a wizz - you think they're competent to choose where to live?

Well I assumed he would be competent enough.

I guess you caught me assuming again haha.

 

[jackbrown]

Well, considering I graduate high school before I turn 18, I'll have to leave then. Less than a year to go.

 

[Happy Trails]

Well, considering I graduate high school before I turn 18, I'll have to leave then. Less than a year to go.

Until you turn 18, your mom may not give you your passport back.

Be careful what bridges you burn.

 

[jackbrown]

If the age of majority is 18, then why would I still be under their control being 18? Besides, I would really check my sources if i were you guys because i have heard from MULTIPLE reliable sources that at age 17, one can leave their parents' household.