My husband's ex has announced she is moving from Minnesota to Georgia and does not intend to take my step-son, now age 17 with her. Basically, she is willing to abandon him. My step-son does not want to move with her (not that this is an option) nor does he want to move with us in Indiana. He is a troubled child, drugs, and has just gotten kicked out of high school. What steps can we take to protect ourselves legally if he remains in Minnesota and is still a minor? Can we make him move here? He turns 18 in February. To be honest, I am so angry; the last thing I want is a troubled 17 year old on my doorstep. Especially one on drugs, who is a master manipulator, and lies constantly. My step son does not want to come here, I really don't want him here, but would never turn my husband's son away...My husband is incensed that his ex would abandon their child, but is unsure how to force him here...and if he runs away and returns to Minnesota what are we legally responsible for if he crashes his car, doesn't pay his insurance, etc?

Fr_Chuck

Ok this adds some to the last post I read,

First who by court order has physcial and legal main custody of the boy? I will assme his ex does. She legally has to take the boy with her, no matter what the boy wants. Other choice, get him committed to the state, have him declared a deliquient and have him maybe placed in a boot camp ( which would get him off of drugs and teach him some respect)

Since the mother has it appears the legal custody she would be the one first responsible but I would check with an attorney about it.
As for the car, whoevers name is on the title of the car would be responsible.

If you take him in and he "steals" the car you call the police and report him for stealing the car , whoever owns it would have to assuming your name is on the title.

s_cianci

This clarifies your other post a little more. Since his mother is his custodial caregiver, you and your husband have no legal responsibility towards him. However, his ex could be in big trouble if she does, in fact, abandon her son while he's still a minor. I really don't blame you for not wanting to take him in and I can't blame your husband's ex for not wanting to deal with him any longer. She'd be wise to wait until Feb. if at all possible before making her move. Then nobody has to worry about or be responsible for him.