Family Law

questions & answers

Question: I am moving to escape emotional abuse to Tennessee with other relatives.My car my parents gave me has their name on it.When I leave can they press charges for theft? I turn 18 in March.

Answer: Legally, the vehicle is theirs, also, please keep the following in mind:

A parent is responsible for a minor until they become an adult (age 18) unless that child is emancipated. This means they can make a child return home. If a child is suffering from abuse call the local police station or Department of Child Safety at their Child Abuse Hotline 1-888-767-2445.

A child who continually runs away from home may be deemed an incorrigible child and may be punished in one of the following ways:

(a) To the care of the child's parents, subject to the supervision of a probation department.

(b) To the protective supervision of a probation department, subject to any conditions the court may impose.

(c) To a reputable citizen of good moral character, subject to the supervision of a probation department.

(d) To a public or private agency, subject to the supervision of a probation department.

(e) To maternal or paternal relatives, subject to the supervision of a probation department.

(A.R.S. § 8-341(A)(2) & A.R.S § 8-201(18)

The petition for emancipation must be filed in the superior court of the county where the minor resides.  The Supreme Court's website has a brochure with frequently asked questions on emancipation and a court locator to help individuals find their specific court.

http://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/34/Forms/Emancipation/EmancipationBooklet.pdf