questions & answers

Question: I have a defiant 17 year old daughter who is violent and verbally abusive. She has even damaged our home by punching holes in the doors and is using drugs. She will not follow any of our rules and basically comes and goes as she pleases. She turns 18 in 5 months, but will not graduate high school until May of next year. Are we still responsible for her until she graduates, or do our responsibilities end once she turns 18? She is causing turmoil and fear within our home and we just don't know what our rights are.

Answer: Arizona defines an adult as a person 18 years of age or older. (Arizona Revised Statute 8-201.3) Until that age, the parents are still responsible for their children. (A.R.S. 12-661) Your situation, your relationship, would be considered Domestic Violence (A.R.S. 13-3601). Now, as far as her current actions...when she damages the home that is considered "criminal damage" (A.R.S. 13-1602), and falls under the definition of domestic violence and she will be arrested. The domestic violence statute does not give officers discretion if they determine a crime has been committed and the relationship meets one of the 6 criteria. It is up to you what direction to take it. You do NOT have to tolerate the behavior and there are resources out there for her drug use and her behavior. Here is a link with some resources. Its a start and hopefully it gets you on the right track. http://www.azdjc.gov/FamilyServices/helpforchild.asp Once she turns 18 and is considered an adult, if the situation doesn't change...you may need to consider getting an order of protection. Here is a link on how to obtain an order of protection: http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/SuperiorCourt/ProtectiveOrderCenter/oop.asp