Teenage Runaway

[mrgeoff]

My daughter is 17 years old and is dating a 20 year old boy. They have purchased one way plane tickets to leave NJ and start a "new life" in CA without my or my wifes consent. We had hoped she would attend college and have spent a considreable amount of time and money. Can the law help me stop her from running away? If so how?

Thanks, Geoff

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mrgeoff:
My daughter is 17 years old and is dating a 20 year old boy. They have purchased one way plane tickets to leave NJ and start a "new life" in CA without my or my wifes consent. We had hoped she would attend college and have spent a considreable amount of time and money. Can the law help me stop her from running away? If so how?

Thanks, Geoff<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


My response:

She's Leaving Home
(John Lennon, Paul McCartney)
Lead Vocal: Paul McCartney

Wednesday morning at five o'clock as the day begins
Silently closing her bedroom door
Leaving the note that she hoped would say more
She goes downstairs to the kitchen clutching her hankerchief
Quietly turing the backdoor key
Stepping outside she is free

She (We gave her most of our lives)
Is leaving (Sacraficed most of our lives)
Home (We gave her everything money could buy)
She's leaving home after living alone
For so many years
Bye bye

Father snores as his wife gets into her dressing gown
Picks up the letter that's lying there
Standing alone at the top of the stairs
She breaks down and cries to her husband
Daddy our baby's gone
Why would she treat us so thoughtlessly?
How could she do this to me?

She (We never though of ourselves)
Is leaving (Never a thought for ourselves)
Home (We struggled hard all our lives to get by)
She's leaving home after living alone
For so many years
Bye bye

Friday morning at nine o'clock she is far away
Waiting to keep the appointment she made
Meeting a man from the motor trade

She (What did we do that was wrong)
Is having (We didn't know it was wrong)
Fun (Fun is the one thing that money can't buy)
Something inside that was always denied
For so many years
Bye bye

She's leaving home
Bye bye


*** There's not much you can do, if anything.

Good luck. And to her also.

IAAL

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By reading the “Response” to your question or comment, you agree that: The opinions expressed herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE" are designed to provide educational information only and are not intended to, nor do they, offer legal advice. Opinions expressed to you in this site are not intended to, nor does it, create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information. No electronic communication with "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE," on its own, will generate an attorney-client relationship, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. You further agree that you will obtain your own attorney's advice and counsel for your questions responded to herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE."



[This message has been edited by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE (edited June 21, 2000).]

 

[mesmerized]

Midlife crisis IAAL?

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mesmerized:
Midlife crisis IAAL?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


My response:

No, not at all. Since our writer can do nothing (except chain her to a bedpost), his story reminded me of the song - - especially the last stanza about having "fun."

I felt since there was nothing else I could say, I felt that the lyrics to "She's Leaving Home" was the only thing to say that was appropriate under the circumstances.

Thanks for asking though.

IAAL

------------------
By reading the “Response” to your question or comment, you agree that: The opinions expressed herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE" are designed to provide educational information only and are not intended to, nor do they, offer legal advice. Opinions expressed to you in this site are not intended to, nor does it, create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information. No electronic communication with "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE," on its own, will generate an attorney-client relationship, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. You further agree that you will obtain your own attorney's advice and counsel for your questions responded to herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE."

 

[inquiringmind]

MrGeoff......

My heart goes out to you. BUT.......

If you try to control your daughter's dream and stop her. Legally or any other way. Be thankful she has someone to run away with who can protect her from harm...... remember, she could be on the streets alone.

If you manage to sabotage her plans she will resent you for the rest of her life. She would live without knowing what could have been or could not have been. She's 17, give her the experience...it's inevitable. Let her go with your blessing. Just let her know you love her, and you are there for her WHENEVER she needs you, and is welcome back at ANY place in time. She'll be back, without resentment and more than likely have more respect for you, for having faith, trust and respect for herand her judgements.....
as an ADULT.

Save that money, give it time grow.....just like your daughter. Her priorities will change, let it be her decision, when she feels ready.

Just my humble, easier said than done, opinion. Good Luck, you'll make it through this and so will she.

 

[mesmerized]

I love the way your mind works IAAL.
For Mrgeoff, it's true, there are times as a parent we have to let go and let our children make their own mistakes. I know it will be difficult because you love your daughter very much and don't want to see her hurt. Hold on to the faith that your daughter knows you love her. I think she'll be back. It's awfully hard out there in the world these days. My best to you and your wife.