Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

15 year oldwho is getting defiant

I have a 15 yr old child who lives with me I am not her faher but have been somewhat of a guardian for the child.I do have a paper signed by her mother to lookout for her but the child is now totally defiant and no longer wats to livee with me.herlives out of town and the papers her mom signed is just an arangement between myself and her mom no court or lawyer was invovled do I have to report the child did not not come home last night andI believe I know where she is becaused she called Can I legally call the police and have her picked up and brought home to me or what


Asked on 10/25/08, 6:43 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: 15 year oldwho is getting defiant

From the facts that you give us, it does not appear that you have any legal rights to the child whatsoever. If the mother had signed a properly prepared power of attorney under the Missouri statutes, you might have some legal authority to take actions concerning the child. Also, I believe that you, or anyone for that mattter, could call the Division of Family Services if you believe the chiuld is sufferring from neglect or abuse, or if the child is in danger. You might also consider calling the local juvenile court authorities or other law enforcement authorities who then might take the child into custody. After that happened, you would have no legal say in what would happen to the child.

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Answered on 10/26/08, 5:32 pm


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