Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Legal responsilities for ''runaway'' nephew

My 15 year old nephew had serious behavior problems resulting in two felonies(Breaking&entering, car theft). He became a ward of the state of California. My Husband & I offered to give my nephew ''Cody'' a home. He has lived with us since 2/2002. He was released from probation 8/2003. Although his behavior improved for a while, he has since returned to drug use, stealing, and cutting school classes. He is now 17 and in the 12th grade. His b-day is 2/17/87. A week ago (11/22) he left our home sometime during the night& a letter basically saying he wanted to live the way he did for the 1st 15 years of his life. He wants and is determined to continue his drug use and partying. We have tried counseling, 12 step programs, everything we could think of to try and turn our nephew around and give him a shot at a normal life. He doesn't want it and we give up. What, if any,legal responsibilities does my husband & I continue to have? Cody is not on probation and will be 18 in just three months. Are we legally obligated to inform anyone of the fact that Cody ran away. The police? School? Are we responsible for his behavior or any future crimes he may commit? How do we terminate our legal relationship with our nephew?


Asked on 11/28/04, 10:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: Legal responsilities for ''runaway'' nephew

Unless you were made his guardian by the court you would have no responsibility. Your best course of action is to take any court documents regarding this to an attorney. That would be your best option to get information about your potential liability and the best course of action.

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Answered on 12/01/04, 9:23 pm


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