Legal Question in Family Law in California

Legal Responsibility of Non Birth Parent

I am in a live-in relationship with a man who is an alcoholic, chronic pot smoker. This man has a 10 yr. old son. I also have my own 17 yr old son residing in the home. I have pleaded with him to clean up his act for the sake of the kids to no avail.

I cant afford to leave but I want to get away.

If for some reason, the police were to come to our home & find his pot, am I legally responsible for child endangerment or anything else.

What can I do to stop this before it happens, he will not stop using. Is there any thing that I can do to cover myself from charges, or what charges would I share. Is there any legal documentation I can get to prove I am trying to stop this ?


Asked on 6/23/01, 2:55 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Legal Responsibility of Non Birth Parent

call the cops and turn him in for the drugs. they'll make him leave.

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Answered on 8/22/01, 1:33 am
PATRICK MCCRARY PATRICK MCCRARY

Re: Legal Responsibility of Non Birth Parent

Yes, there is something that you can do to protect yourself from child endangerment charges. You can send your son to live with his Dad or another relative. You say that you cannot afford to move, but can you afford to stay? Are we talking in financial terms only? I think the most judges who might review your case would say that you have made a choice because you could have gone out and gotten a job and lived very simply. Or you could move out, apply for welfare get some job training so that you can support yourself. In the meantime, get some counseling, you must have a low opinion of yourself if you feel that you cannot afford to move out. Good Luck, Pat McCrary

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Answered on 7/02/01, 12:39 pm


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