Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

17 year old's rights concerning custody

I will be 17 in 2 weeks. Currently, my mom in is jail and I live with my dad.

For my entire life, my mom has had custody although my grandparents and

aunt have basically raised me. My dad was never part of my life until I was

about 12. When I was 14 or 15, I began living with my dad. About six

months ago, my mom agreed to give him guardianship so that he wouldn't

have to keep paying back child-support. My dad is very controlling and will

not allow me to take my ADHD medication that I have taken since 1st grade.

Without this medicine, I struggle in school constantly. I failed one class

during the fall semester of '05 and failed freshman geography 2 years ago.

When I was on my meds, I was an A/B student. Since I am scared of my dad, I

asked my grandmother and aunt to get me a doctors appointment to see

about meds so that I can do better in school. My dad found out they were

taking me to the doctor and now refuses to let me see or speak to either of

them. Can you tell me what my rights are as far as my choice of where to

live? I heard I can legally leave his home on my 17th birthday and make the

choice of where to live.


Asked on 1/25/06, 7:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: 17 year old's rights concerning custody

Not exactly. Seventeen is the age where you are no longer reported as a runaway in the juvenile justice system. That is a different issue than conservatorship (custody). You present some basic issues as to your health and well-being. If you can get into a courtroom, the judge would probably appoint an attorney ad litem to represent your interests, not your mom's or dad's. Grandparent rights are pretty limited, but there are ways that your family can help you too. If you want to email me directly, I will see if I can locate a pro bono attorney in your county that can help you out. TCL

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Answered on 1/25/06, 8:41 pm


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