Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Re: legal age for a child to leave home in the state of texas

I have a teen-ager so I can appreciate your problem. When I was 17 I thought I knew everything and my parents knew nothing -- so my comments will probably not impress your teen-ager at all. I will give you a broad answer to your question since you did not provide any details.

In answering this question, I assume that she has not been emancipated. Therefore, you are legally responsible for her until she turns 18. However, for criminal matters she is considered an adult at 17. That might be where she got confused in her understanding of the law.

She can revoke any contract she enters into while she is 17. Upon turning 18, she is considered an adult and she is personally liable for all contracts she enters into (such as an apartment lease or buying a car). Therefore, I doubt that anyone would lease to her until she turns 18. I would encourage you NOT to co-sign any contract (or lease) for her. The creditor will look to you for payment if she defaults on the debt.

If she wants to be emancipated, it takes time and money. Judges are usually not sympathetic to teens. She must be completely self-supporting (employed and making money to provide herself with food, clothing and shelter) to be emancipated. Therefore, I usually recommend to the teen to save their money and just wait to turn 18.

If you have any questions, please give me a call.

Good luck!

PS - If she is still in high school after turning 18, the school will treat her as an adult and she can sign herself out of school at anytime without your knowledge. (I must give my nephew credit for educating me on this issue!)