Asked 1/26/2016 – Alto, TX

So, my fiance is 17. I’m 18, turning 19 next month. The age of consent is 17 in Texas. We are living with her cousin and his wife. I had a job, I lost it recently. Her cousin is giving me 20 days to get another job, yet told other people that even if I do get another job, I’ll be getting kicked out regardless. I have places to go outside of state, but she doesn’t want me to leave without her, and neither do I. She wants to run away with me. I want to know if I’ll be registered as a sex offender if I take her out of state without her parent’s consent.

Answer

She is still a minor, so parental consent is required. If you take her across state lines, there are several issues you may face (kidnapping, federal charges etc.). These issues will be avoided if she is your spouse. I am switching hats from attorney to father and grandfather, but if you quit fighting her parents and approach them with the idea that you have the same goal: the best for their daughter. Man up, approach the parents for permission to marry their daughter, and show them the plan you have to provide for a family instead of just playing house.