Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

I Am 17 Years Old I Live In Fort Worth Texas I Want To Move Out Of My Parents House I Am In The 12th Grade Attending School I Have Ben Abused Veribly And Phisicaly By My Family I Can No Longer Stay Here I've Delt With To Much And I Have After School Programs I Need To Stay For Such As Sports But They Won't Alow Me To Go My Friends Want To Help Me By Haveing Me Move In With Them But I Know If I Leave Now That I Cant Come Back How Do I Get My Pappers And Social Secrity Card With Out Comeing Back Home I Cant Live With A Family Member Becuase They Will Bring Me Back So Is There Any Way I Can Move Out With Out Getting Into Truble With The Law


Asked on 8/31/13, 6:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Cynthia Henley Cynthia Henley, Lawyer

You need to report the abuse if it is happening. This could result in your removal from the home and into a better situation. Your parents do have the right to parent you - which includes reasonable physical punishment in Texas. But, they do not have the right to abuse you.

Your parents have the right to decide what programs you can participate in. They legally decide your residency until you are 18, and you can be picked up and brought home if they call and report you as a runaway. (And whomever provides you with housing can be prosecuted for harboring a runaway if they know your parents want you home.)

Many schools have social workers who can help kids in your position. Why don't you get your helpful family member to come with you to meet with the social worker to discuss the situation?

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Answered on 9/07/13, 2:04 pm


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