Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Child Leaving home

I am married to Barbara and we have 3 children. My 2 oldest are currently 16 and 15 yrs old. They are my step-children and my wife has legal custody of them. Our 15 year old daughter informed us that she wants to move out, to her biological father house. She said since she is going to be 16 in April that she has the right to do so without our consent. She said that if we don't let her biological father will goto court. I am wanting to know what are her rights as a 16 year old and what are our rights as good parents to keep her. She is not abused, molested, neglected or anything at all. She is unhappy that she is not allowed to do anything and that she was caught lying to us for the last 4 months and is now grounded indefinitely. Now sheis wanting to move out because she feels that they will treat her better. We are at a loss. What are our rights, and hers as well.

Thank you


Asked on 3/25/00, 10:52 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James Grissom Law Office of James P. Grissom

Re: Child Leaving home

The first right that you all have is family counseling to try to straighten out a situation that will only get worse in the next few years. Discuss with the counselor "grounding indefinitely". As far as legal rights, in Texas the child has a right to determine her custody parent by merely requesting the court to allow her to move in with her father. I don't know where you live, but it's probably similar.

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Answered on 3/28/00, 7:00 pm


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