Legal Question in Family Law in New Mexico

Wondering the best way to go about the exchange of legal custody of a minor

Scenario: A 15 year old girl has run away from her parents in New Mexico to live with a family in Nevada. She has contacted her parents. She would like them to send her legal documents so that she may start school and obtain a part-time job. Should she, when she turns 16, try to become emancipated from her parents, or is there a way for her parents to give legal custody to this new family that she is staying with? And if her parents do not agree to the switch in parental rights, if she can just go to court with the family she now lives with and fight for them to have custody? Please reply.


Asked on 8/10/00, 9:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Dorothy Bunce

Giving nonparent custody of runaway child

There is a document called a "Letter of Custody" that the parents can sign to give the persons who are providing the child a home legal authority to act. IT IS NOT A SIMPLE LETTER SAYING YOU HAVE CUSTODY OF MY KID NOW. Other procedures may be more appropriate in this instance. I strongly urge you to consult an attorney immediately, because any mistakes could have very serious repercussions.

Read more
Answered on 9/14/00, 11:53 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in New Mexico