Can we legally require our stepdaughter to return home?

Full question:

My 17 year old step daughter has been at her mother's house for 2 weeks. My husband has custody of her. She is a junior in high school. Do we have legal grounds to make her come home?

  • Category: Divorce
  • Subcategory: Child Custody
  • Date:
  • State: Mississippi

Answer:

Yes, a parent with sole custody can seek help to have their child returned to their custody.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Stepparents do not have the same legal rights as biological parents. They cannot make decisions regarding a child's education, medical care, or custody without consent from the biological parent or legal guardian. Additionally, stepparents cannot legally enforce discipline or control over the child unless they have been granted specific legal rights through adoption or a court order.