Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Hi my name is Teri Henson and I just had a question. My husband has full custody of his son with mother not having any visitation rights. His son just turned 17 on April 12 and ran away this past Saturday. We notified the police who told us that we could not report him as a runaway because of his age and could not report him as missing due to the fact that he has ran away. We know he is currently with his grandma on his moms side. The police informed us that once he voluntarily walked out our door he became a legal adult and that they could not make him come back home. So now we are wanting to know if this is true and if so what is our legal responsibility (if he should get into trouble) at this point? Are we financially responsible? Can they ask for child support? He is currently not in school. We feel that if we force him home then he would just run away again. Thank you in advance if you are able to answer.


Asked on 4/19/16, 10:00 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mel Franke Mel G. Franke, Attorney at Law

IT IS NOT TRUE. Runaway is a status offense and he can be brought into juvenile court if they decide to file. However at this age you are not going to keep him at your home. Unfortunately your husband could have civil liability until he is 18 years old. All in all a bad situation.

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Answered on 4/19/16, 10:34 am


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