Legal Question in Family Law in Kentucky

I work at a childrens hospital. We have a policy in place due to leaglities that forbids us to see patients under the age of 18 without a legal guardian present. We have a 17 year old patient that is here from Africa with a Visa, staying with her sister in Tennessee. The sister says she does not have legal or temporary custody of the child. Can a child leave another country on a Visa without having a legal guardian in the states?


Asked on 10/19/11, 11:05 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrea Welker Welker Law Office

Just speculating, but likely the age of majority is not 18 in her home country, as it is here. She may not be considered a minor there, and therefore, no one cared she left without a parent or guardian.

Since I think you must work at UK based on your zip code, if your patient needs assistance establishing guardianship/power of attorney so that the young woman can be treated, you should contact the Child Advocacy Today program located in Kentucky Clinic. These are exactly the kinds of issues we handle there.

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Answered on 10/19/11, 11:18 am


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