Legal Question in Family Law in California

Responsibilities of the non-custodial parent when custodial parent accepts none?

Divorced in '87, I got physical & legal custody of my son. He was with me until age 11, when I let him go live with his dad (North CA). My son became wild and unruly, running away from home and failing school. His dad couldn't handle him, I let him come home. He got into drugs, ran away from home (I reported it each time), threatened to kill me, was put in Charter Hospital. After 5 or 6 months of this I sent him back to his dad's (11/99). He ran away last May and has been living with his girlfriend's mom. His dad never reported him a runaway. He needs medical and dental care, but his dad never put him on his insurance. The lady he's staying with is trying to get medi-cal for him, and they want to know why he's not living at home where he belongs. I don't know who's responsible for what. Someone should report him a runaway, but I don't know if they'll take a call from me since I don't live there. I don't know if I'm legally responsible for things he does (I have legal custody). He should be living at home where he belongs, he's 17. Until he ran away, his dad had physical custody. Should I report him a runaway? The lady he's staying with is harboring a fugitive.


Asked on 9/30/00, 2:13 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Diana Mercer Peace Talks Mediation Services

Re: Responsibilities of the non-custodial parent when custodial parent accepts n

I don't know the answer to your question, but I do know you need good legal advice. I'd suggest that you speak to a lawyer near you who has experience with your local system. If you live near LA, the Los Angeles County Bar Association has some good resources. You can call them at (213) 627-2727. Otherwise, you might want to try your local bar association or legal aid society. Good luck!

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Answered on 10/31/00, 4:29 pm


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