Legal Question in Family Law in Florida
Minor Child 16 years of age
We have a daughter that is 16 years old. She has dropped out of school and is currently working on receiving her GED. She has a part time job in which she works with a 23 year old male. He is her boyfriend. It is through him and his friends who are also over 21, that she is able to obtain marijuana, cigarrettes and possibly alcohol. We have told her to discontinue her personal relationship with him. She refuses. She has left the house even though we have told her she can't, and has her own cell phone that she has paid for herself (there is no contract) in which she is on the phone to him constantly. She is under the impression that when she turns 17, she will be able to legally move out and carry on a relationship with the 23 year old who will be 24 soon.
Can you please tell me what the laws are on these matters, and what we as parents can possibly do legally to try to get control of our child.
Thank you.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Minor Child 16 years of age
At the bare minumum, this person is contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a minor and you can certainly force the issue there. While the Dept. of Children & Families gets a bad rap on occasion, there may be some family counseling that can help and monitor her for a time.
Re: Minor Child 16 years of age
She is a minor and simply cannot choose where to live. If she left the house without your consent, she is a runaway. Call the police. You can also contact the DA's office about the possible statutory rape (depending on actual dates of birth; he's cutting it close). At least start an investigation. That may be enough to scare the boyfriend away.
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