Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

My name Drew, I am 15. The family I am in is extremely dysfunctional. Some background info is that my family is abusive. My brother has attacked me many times before. My parents are both physically abusive and emotionally abusive. They constantly call my brother names bring him down. My brother constantly calls my parents using extremely degrading curse words. My dad hits my brother when he gets angry at him, which causes my brother to retaliate, and soon turns into an extreme fist fight. My dad provokes my brother on purpose by saying immature things, which irritates my brother, which then turns into a fight. My parents have called the police 7 times while i have been with them. About a 2-3 months ago, we moved top Texas, and things have been getting much worse. To list a couple things, my brother has stolen more than $100 from me, and more $400-500 from my parents. My parents and brother have been in countless fights, many of them physical. My brother stays out late with no notice. One time, my dad came into my brothers room, got on top of my brother, and said he was finally going to kill him, while punching him. I recorded this fight along with 50-60 others. I can't stand the family. My academics would be better in a different environment, I would be able to continue with drumming at my hs in California, i would be able to take my desired AP and honors classes, all of which I can't right now. I know that i could get cps involved, and try to solve the problem that way, but i don't know how long that would take, and if i would even be able to move out and into California from Texas. The reason i don't want it to be a long process is because i would like to be back as soon as i can(to California) so i can register for my AP classes, and other reasons as well. My twin brother lives in California, and i would like to reunite with him(live closely to him). I have a friend that would gladly let me stay with them. I just need to know what the legal steps are to moving out. Thank you for your patience.


Asked on 7/06/13, 8:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

As a 15 year old you can't just move out. Based on the facts you have provided, it does sound like there is abuse in the house and CPS may need to get involved to work on the situation or remove you and your brother from your parents. They would not necessarily take you to California.

I do not know why your twin brother is in California and you are here but if you have a parent in California it is possible you could return to California to live with your other parent. If there is a possession order issued as part of a divorce that led you to live with your parents here in Texas then your other parent could seek modification of the possession order to obtain custody over you.

It does not sound like this is a good environment for you regardless of whether you go back to California or somewhere else in Texas. If you do not have somebody in California who can take custody of you through appropriate legal channels then I suggest you speak with CPS about your situation.

Read more
Answered on 7/07/13, 10:57 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Texas