Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Legal Age

We would just like to know, if in the State of WA., is there a ''legal'' age in which it is ok for a teenager to begin dating (unescorted)and in a car. Or would this just be a moral question?


Asked on 1/20/02, 7:55 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gary Preble Preble Law Firm, P.S.

Re: Legal Age

Unless relatively very young, in which case it might constitute neglect, there is no specific law on the subject. Fit parents are presumed to make appropriate choices for their children.

RCW 26.44.020(15) says "Negligent treatment or maltreatment" means an act or omission that evidences a serious disregard of consequences of such magnitude as to constitute a clear and present danger to the child's health, welfare, and safety. It's found at http://search.leg.wa.gov/wslrcw/RCW%20%2026%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2026%20.%2044%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2026%20.%2044%20.020.htm.

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Answered on 1/20/02, 8:46 pm


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