Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Pregnant 17 year old friend

My best friend has a 17 year old sister that just found out she is pregnant. Her mother is of course very upset. The two of them constantly fight and argue. My friend wants his sister to move in with him and his family (wife and two children). My wife offered to allow her to live with us. The mother does not want her to stay with my friend (the girl's brother). But, the mother and girl always fight and it is very upsetting to the girl. My friend is afraid that she will run away from everyone if this does not ease up. At 17 and pregnant, can she leave home and stay with someone without breaking a law? The mpther is not going to give permission. HELP


Asked on 3/04/02, 6:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Eliseo Rico III The Law Office of Rico & Associates

Re: Pregnant 17 year old friend

In Texas a minor or child is means a person under the age of 18 who is not or has not been married or had his or her disability of minority removed. Assuming that the person in question here has not had her disability removed, is not married, nor has been married she is for all purposes a child. As such she may not decide of her own accord independent of her mothers rights to determine where she will live. Although the solution to this matter is for her to file a petition in District Court to have her disability of minority removed. This will give her the ability to make her own choices as an adult and will terminate the rights and duties imposed on her parent(s). By the way among the mother's duties is the duty of support.

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Answered on 3/05/02, 5:06 am


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