Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

At 17, can I move out of my home without legal repercussions?


Asked on 2/25/15, 2:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

TC Langford Langford Law Office

Maybe.

There are several legal issues involved. First, once you turn 17 you cannot be termed a runaway, since it is an offense under the Juvenile Justice Code, and once you turn 17 you are an adult under the Penal Code, and not governed by a 'status offense' under the Juvenile Justice Code.

HOWEVER, you still are a minor for the purposes of civil law, and cannot rent an apartment or sign any civil legal contracts.

If you are the subject of a court order out of Juvenile Court regarding any juvenile offense, your residence is probably restricted, and you cannot move without violating that order.

If you are the subject of any criminal proceeding, your residence is probably restricted by the bond and/or probation.

If your parents are separated, divorced, never married, and you are the subject of a Family Court Order, your residence may be restricted, and you may find yourself at the center of an enforcement action in Family Court.

You are still subject to state laws regarding education and truancy, unless you fall within one of the exceptions.

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Answered on 2/25/15, 2:33 pm


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