What legal options does a 17-year old girlfriend with 21 yr old boyfriend have in Missouri for her to live with the boyfriend especially because her religious family is abusing her at home?

Answer 1

In Missouri the legal age is 18 with very limited exceptions, such as marriage, military, or pregnancy. She will have a hard time being approved for emancipation. She does have a couple options, but not ideal. You should contact an attorney to protect yourself. Many attorneys give a free 30-minute consult. Look for an attorney in Family Law.

As to her options, she could simply become a dutiful daughter for the next year until her 18th birthday. Follow their rules, do as they say, but start saving dimes and nickles for when she turns 18. Sometimes, this is the best route.

Or, if her situation is truly abusive, she is still considered a minor and can call Child Welfare herself. Whether going to foster care for a year or staying at home is better is only something she can decide. But CW won't intervene just because she is unhappy there. If she thinks she is pregnant but fears her family's reaction, CW might intervene to get her examined and discuss her options. But... it's scary to call CW on your own behalf. HOWEVER, CW must investigate every report.

The "rock and a hard place" is why many teens decide to run away. I cannot suggest she does this, but many teens do. The most important aspect is whether she has a safe place to go to until she turns 18.

You could try calling organizations that help teenagers. Hotlines might have good info about where she can find emotional and practical help.

As to you, be very careful about what you do. You're 21, and if you are charged for anything (custodial interference; kidnapping; harboring a minor), you would be treated as an adult with adult jail time. Better to be an adult now and encourage her to stick it out until she turns 18-- then get out.