Q: Can my parents be reported for kidnapping if my 17-year-old girlfriend stays with us in Nevada?
If my 17-year-old girlfriend is kicked out of her house and stays with me in Nevada, can her mother, who is on good terms with my parents but has mental health issues and reacts aggressively to conflicts, report my parents for kidnapping? There are no existing legal arrangements regarding her custody. She isn't living with us yet.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
In Nevada, as long as your 17-year-old girlfriend is not being forcibly held against her will and is staying with your parents voluntarily, it would not typically qualify as kidnapping. Since she is 17, she is considered a minor, but in most states, a 17-year-old has more legal autonomy in terms of where they live, especially if there are no formal custody agreements in place.
If her mother has mental health issues or reacts aggressively, it might complicate matters, but it doesn't automatically mean your parents would be at risk of a kidnapping charge. However, if her mother decides to take legal action, such as reporting her as a runaway or seeking legal custody through the courts, that could change the situation.
The best course of action would be for your girlfriend or her family to clarify the situation legally if there are concerns about custody or her living arrangements. It may also be helpful for your parents to communicate openly with her mother to prevent misunderstandings, especially if the relationship is strained. If you are concerned about legal risks, consulting an attorney could provide further peace of mind and clarity.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
