Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Re: Child custody

Maybe, it depends. The 17 year old is not a runaway, and if the child notifies authorities and the parents of her address, then the child is also not a missing person. However, there are often court orders in effect which limit or restrict the residence of the child. It does not relieve the child of the obligation to complete school. A truancy charge could result in a court order restricting the child's residence.

A 17 year old, under civil and family law, is still a child. That person cannot enter into valid contracts. Under criminal law, the child is an adult, and no longer a juvenile.