Minor - May we legally force our 17 year old to move from our home?
Would we still be responsible for him?
Question
We have a 17 year old boy whom we cannot have live in our home any
longer because of the stuff he is involved in and the effect it has on
our other children. We are offering to get him help through an out-of-state
residential treatment center. If he declines this help and wants
to remain in our home, what can we legally do to have him leave?
Being that he is 17 and a 'legal' adult in MI, if we tell him to go and
he does, what will still be our responsibility to him?
Answer
In Michigan, parents are responsible for their children until they reach
the age of 18. Failure to provide for a child could result in abuse/neglect
allegations against a parent. If the main issue here is substance
abuse and it has been determined that the child is in need of substance
abuse treatment, a petition may be filed with the court to get that treatment
if a child refuses.
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Last Updated: 1-14-06
Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161
E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 or e mail to pharter@calhouncountymi.gov