My almost 17 yr old daughter thinks she can legally move out in MO?

Question

when she turns 17. All the research I have done leads me to see that she CANNOT unless she goes before a judge for emanciaptaion (she has no grounds). The car she happily drives is in MY name and if she tries to leave anyways the car will not go with her. Anyone have any legal advice for me on how to keep her from making a huge mistake? I know if she moves out she will likely drop out of school also. This whole thing is over a 22 yr old she wants to date and isnt allowed to ( she is still 16) Help!

thanks Goldie and everyone else who has answered so far.

Answer 1

Getting into an argument over the legality of emancipation is not the answer. You are saying to her "The law says you have to live here." What she needs to learn is that living there is the right thing to do. I would take away the car, take away any other privileges she has until she earns them. She is trying to threaten you because it has worked in the past. Let her know if she chooses to move out you will not help her and if she stays, there are rules.

Answer 2

Although I have no advice for you, I will remember your family in my prayers. I, too live in MO. I have a 17 year-old son. We have another whole set of issues. This is a sticky one. On one hand, the law says we are the legal guardian(s). The responsibility is ours. On the other hand, these children are treated as adults. They can legally quit school and work. I would call an attorney. They know the law and should be able to answer any questions you might have. Until then, take your car back. Let her know the only ways she's driving it is if she stays at home, stays in school and promises not to see the 22 year-old boy. HE can be the one that is in legal trouble. She is under 18. He should respect your wishes when it comes to that. Get a free consult with someone in your area. Keep me posted on the outcome and good luck!!

Answer 3

I have no clue as to the laws in Mo. Why not check with the authoritys and find out what is the leagal age in your state. This is such a common thing with Mothers and their teenage daughters.....in my own family we lived a nighmare with our daughter from the age of about fourteen until twenty...and finally we did the tough love thing...and boy did thay work....why not let her go if it's legal in your starte and see what happens....she may come home crying to Mom and Dad....who's going to take her in....does the boyfriend have his own place ? If that's so you may have a problem...oh how I wish we could put an old head on young shoulders....what burns me up is that they say with age comes wisdon....well just try and pass that on to your kids....doesn't work....they have to make their own mistakes. How are things in school ...are her grades good ? Like I said all I can suggest is let her go...nothing else is apparenty working let her see what it's like out there....maybe then she'll appreciate home. It's hard to do I know I've been there....but when you've tried everything else what else is there to do....she'll probably just run away.....I had the same thing when I was growing up...I had just turned 17 two days before we go married and he was also twenty two....well believe it or not it worked out well and we're married 44 years this month !!!!! and he still treats me like the day we got married....people envey our marrage...but I'm told this is rare....but who knows...people get married at thirty five and get divorced....life is strange......Let her go if she wants and see what that does....it could make things better....but on the other hand how can you tell if she decides that she likes being on her own....but if he doesn't have his own place....that would be great...because who's going to take in and be responsiable for a sixteen year old....sorry I don't have the sulotion for your problem....but your not alone I bet about 95% of mothers are going through this with their daughers....good luck to you !!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Tell her you will drive her then when you get in the car, drive her directly to the police station.

While the age of consent is 14 in Missouri, the actions on her party can land YOU in jail as a contributing factor.

566.068. 1. A person commits the crime of child molestation in the second degree if he or she subjects another person who is less than seventeen years of age to sexual contact.

2. Child molestation in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor unless the actor has previously been convicted of an offense under this chapter or in the course thereof the actor inflicts serious physical injury on any person, displays a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument in a threatening manner, or the offense is committed as part of a ritual or ceremony, in which case the crime is a class D felony.

You have every right to file an order of protection against Junior to keep him away from her.

Answer 5

Fine. Tell her that if she moves in with him, you will have him arrested for Statutory Rape, since he is an adult and she is not. Tell her he will go to jail, and will be registered aas a sex offender for the rest of his life.

She cannot legally move out. Definitely take the car away. Give her a McDonald's application, and tell her that is the best job she will get as a High School dropout.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

I would have someone at the Police deptartment contact this 22 yr old. I know its not illegal for him to see her if there is no sexual contact, but, what else would he want? If you speak icely to someone there, maybe they can get his attention.
If that didn't work, I'd break both of his legs.

Answer 7

I would get some family counseling. Legally or not, if she wants to go, she'll go. Yes, you can send the police after her, but that won't resolve your problems.

Answer 8

CAN you send her to an family member? IT may save her life.THATS what my mother did with my brother.
HE was messing around with this girl.
MY mother sent him to grannys house.

Answer 9

chill the ***** out. you are about to be a grand mother. life is good