My husband had (3)children from a previous marriage. Due to problems when that marriage ended his mother stepped in and adopted them. The oldest is 17. There has been multiple problems within the home that we are concerned about. We contacted his daughter on myspace after reading that she has moved out and is living at a friends house.

She replied and said that her "mom" wouldn't let her see her family (she's the vindictive, controlling type) and she was worried that she may not see them again. Legally, I don't think she can bar her from the house until she is 18. Is that right?

Also, from what it says on her profile she's planning to move out of her friends house before she turns 18 - she has a 20yr old boyfriend it seems - would that be neglect on his mothers part for not ending that legally?

She isn't emancipated.


Sorry, I line in North Carolina

This has nothing to do with abandonment. Abandonment of a child occurs when a child is left without any adult supervision whatsoever. Generally this applies to young children.

If "mom" kicked the daughter out of the house before she was 17, she might be cited for child abuse. But I'm not sure what you want to do here.

Would you like this girl to come live with you until she finsihes school? Or what?

You need to spell out what you (or more specifically, your husband, the girl's father) want to happen for us to advise you properly