lynniek1965

We have been dealing with a 16 year old daughter who continues disappearing for days at a time. She has an 18 year old boyfriend, who we do not approve of. They have both been interviewed by police and have both denied a ***ual relationship. We have filed several runaway minor reports with the local police. They say there is little they can or will do other than take the report. She refuses to go to a doctor, refuses to go to a counselor. I can not physically drag her into or out of a car. We have spoken with the mother of the boyfriend, spoken with the boyfriend and spoken with our daughter, laying out what we feel to be basic and reasonable rules: that she not stay out all night, that she let us know where she is going and who she is with and that she respect these rules. She feels she is 16 and therefore free to do anything she wants. She sees it as making her own choices, and feels we just should leave her alone. Her behavior has caused a tremendous strain in our home as we never know where she is, or when or if she will return home. My question is do we have any legal right to "lock her out" if she refuses to follow basic house rules? Her grades fell drastically, she is causing a tremendous amount of stress for her grandmother (who lives in the home) and her younger sister. She gives us her word she will come home and disappears for several days. The police are aware of the boyfriend and mother, who consistently lie when contacted. We are literally at our wits end and feel that tough love of not allowing her into the home is necessary? What is California law on this subject say are within our rights? Any helpful advice is greatly appreciated.

Judge

This is a delicate and potentiall harmful set of issues. You need an attorney who specialize in family law asap. Good luck.