Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Child residency under age of 18

In the state of Texas, at what age can a 16 year old (will be 17 on July 8, 2009) leave his home to reside somehere else? He wants to go live with his grandparents. His mother is not in agreement and says that he cannot leave home until he turns 18. For numerous reasons, he prefers to go live with his grandparents.


Asked on 5/31/09, 2:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: Child residency under age of 18

It depends. Are there any court orders regarding the conservatorship and residence of the child? Family court? Truancy court? Juvenile court? Traffic court? If so those orders are controlling until modified (in some cases, until age 18).

If there are NO outstanding court orders of any kind, then a child is not considered a runaway after the age of 17, and if the child's residence is known to the parent and the police, is not considered a 'missing person'.

The 17 year old child is still a minor under the law, and is still required to attend school until age 18.

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Answered on 6/02/09, 8:47 am


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