Legal Reference Blog by Renee C. Walsh, Esq.

04. January 2008: Teenagers Abused by Parents

Teenagers who are abused by parents either physically or emotionally must be courageous. Many times they feel that they will not be believed if they report the abuse and do not have proof of their injury. They want to get away from their parents and/or get help but do not know how. This article is for them. ...More

04. December 2007: 17-year-old Runaways: Not "Adults", Not "Juveniles", And Not "Children" - Michigan Law Leaves Parents Helpless

Wow, this is really interesting. An individual who is age 17 in Michigan is not an "adult", is not a "juvenile" and also not a "child" under Michigan law. What are they then and can Michigan Law provide the authority for the parents to do anything? ...More

06. September 2007: How Far Do you Go To Cooperate With the Police

This topic is really related to juveniles and their parents, but it can be correlated to adults cooperating with police as well. I have seen juveniles end up in serious trouble, more than necessary, because their parents allowed too much police cooperation. The scenario involves ...More

30. June 2007: Michigan Runaways

Can a 17 year old leave home without permission? No. If the individual is under age 18, they are a “minor”. MCL 722.1. The age of majority in Michigan is 18. MCL 722.52. A child can leave home with permission, however, it is still the parents obligation to support their minor children unless the court modifies or terminates the obligation via a petition for emancipation, or the minor is emancipated by operation of law. MCL 722.3.

“Emancipation” means ...More