Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey

Legal rights of the custodial parent of a teenager

My son will be 18 on August 28.In March of this year, he went to visit his Dad in New Jersey where I obtained uncontested temporary legal custody in 1987. I agreed to let him go without a round trip ticket due to his dad's financial situation. He had a steady job here in a sporting goods store at the mall & promised his return date May 10,latest. He was terminated last week for abandonment of job. He now is refusing to return until his birthday in August. Hence, he no longer has my permission to be there. Will I be held legally responsible for his behavior? Right now I don't trust his choices, am not happy with his attitude & cannot depend on him to do the right thing. He has broken quite a few promises especially concerning his date of his return. Right now I feel as though I have no rights or say in his life whatsoever. I have never felt so helpless as a parent in my life. (& my daughter turns 27 next month). I feel like I don't have any control left over my son's life.Do I?


Asked on 5/18/01, 10:05 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Matthew Kremer Law Offices of Matthew M. Kremer

Re: Legal rights of the custodial parent of a teenager

It is rather difficult to control a 17 year old, as you well know. You have made it clear to him and the father that he is there without your consent. His father will be responsible for him. When he is 18, he's on his own.

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Answered on 6/22/01, 1:40 pm


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