Emancipation

[prs]

the father of my 17 year old granddaughter (who lives with him and stepmother in texas) has just told her mother, in indiana, that their daughter has moved out of the house and into a friends house. he said the legal age of emancipation in texas is 17. have read as much as i can on subject but this doesn't seem to be correct. is he legally responsible for her until the age of 18 even though he may have given her consent to leave the house so she is not considered a runaway? my understanding is that you must be self sufficient and file a petition for emancipation to become emancipated before the age of 18. what legal responsibility does my daughter have for her as her dad has legal custody ? she is not willing to communicate with mother(my daughter) at this point,. thank you for your help, we are beyond worried.

[panther10758]

You are correct. She may live outside her parents home "with consent" Her parents however can change their mind if they wish and demand she return home and remain (even though out of home) legally responsible for her

[aaron]

If a parent chooses to let a child live elsewhere, that's not of itself illegal. If your daughter disapproves and wishes to modify custody, she can bring an appropriate motion with the court which has jurisdiction over the custody case.