Legal Question in Juvenile Dependency in Arizona

Stepdaughter arrested

My 14yr old stepdaughter was arrested last night and sent to juvenile. She spent the night there and released to the care of mom the next morning. She was arrested because her stepfather called the police on her as she would not listen to him. Two months ago her mom threw her out and she stayed with us. Then mom changed her mind, before we could file the papers, so she had to go back there. She wants to live with us but mom refuses to let her and just says she'll see us in court. My question is if they decided to prosecute the case, can the judge decide to place her with her dad and I instead of juvenile hall or back with her mom?


Asked on 8/27/03, 6:02 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Regina Mullen Legal Data Services, PLC

Re: Stepdaughter arrested

If you can convince the juvenile court that this is really a divorce custody issue, it should be a lot easier.

If you want the child to live with you, why not simply file a change of custody action. That having been done, the delinquency court is much more likely to place her with you.

At 14, she's probably old enough to have a say, and if Mom/Stepdad can't deal with her, then there's a good chance a judge will at least let her try to live with you.

Good luck!

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Answered on 8/28/03, 10:09 am


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