2007-01-29 12:17:04 · 9 answers · asked by white_tiger_0610 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
If you live in the U.S., then the answer is no (for EVERY state), UNLESS you've been emancipated in some manner, such as marriage (requires parental consent) or court decree (which is RARELY granted).
At 18 you can move out.
2007-01-29 12:22:20 · answer #1 · answered by kp 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Unfortunately, a parent is legally liable for their children until the legal age of 18 years old. If a girl goes out and gets pg, at 16, guess who supports the baby and daughter? Mom and dad until the daughter turns 18! If the son goes out and wrecks someones car at age 17, who gets the legal responsibility for that bill? Daddy and mommy again!! Doesn't seem quite right does it? As a parent who did have a pg 16 year old, your right, it sure as heck didn't feel right at all! Although you can go to the Judge, AND ASK THE COURT TO withdraw you legally from the family.
2007-01-29 20:29:26 · answer #2 · answered by sue d 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not legally in all states but no one will bother fighting you as far as the cops etc. go. They know it's not worth the time to battle with a young adult so close to 18. In fact Wisconsin will try to get a 17yr old young adult in an independent living program if they really do not want to be at home. They help with employment, housing, etc. Put it this way when someone says they are 17 unless it's on their birthday time has passed, they could be 17 1/2, two months from 18, one month, a couple weeks, days etc.
2007-01-29 23:10:12 · answer #3 · answered by badmikey4 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ok, I just noticed that most of the people that answered this are sadly uneducated about the laws involving minors in the US. First, you don't necessarily need to wait until you are 18 to move out, although it is highly recommended that you don't move out. You didn't mention what state you live in. Depending on your state, you may be allowed to move out without parental consent and without an official court emancipation. If you move out, there is a chance that your parents will try to call you in as a run away. As another poster mentioned, this is usually not high on the priority list for most law enforcement agencies. If the cops do find you, and you explain your reasons for moving out, they may be required to get child protective services involved. At that point, an investigator will come to the place you are living and do a home visit. If they feel that you are in a safe place, and you are financially secure, you may be allowed to remain living away from your parents. You parents are still liable for everything you do, though, and are still technically financially responsible for you. If you dont' want them to have any obligation to you, you have to be emancipated.
Emancipation is a petition you must do with your local court system. You have to show proof that you have a stable life, and enough of a stable income (a job) to pay for all your rent, clothing, medical, and food. This process is very long, and can take up to 1.5 yrs to be completed. Since you are already 17, there may be no point in even pursuing emancipation, since you will be 18 by the time it gets to the court for approval (you'll need to ask the court system or a lawyer for more details). Emancipation means your parents are no longer responsible for you.
If you are moving out because of abuse that is occurring in your home, your best bet is to contact your local child protective services. In my state (florida) they would help you live on your own if your investigator decides you are mature enough (info straight from a DCF investigator and supervisor).
overall, you will need to do some research on the laws for your specific state. The best thing to do is contact a lawyer. Much of the information I have given you came from various legal resources, like lawyers and child protective investigators, but this is primarily information from my state, and is not necessarily true for your state. Take care, and think everything through before you act to make sure you don't get in trouble and ruin your life.
2007-01-29 21:20:41 · answer #4 · answered by iloveeeyore 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If your parents are abusive or neglectful, you may get emancipated by the court. You may also petition the court to assign you a different legal guardian (say Grandma, for instance).
Otherwise, you have to either get your parents on your side or wait until you turn 18.
2007-01-29 20:34:32 · answer #5 · answered by imjustasteph 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to remember, the cops have better things to do than to chase you down. It is not legal unless you are emancipated, but your concern should more be how am I going to generate enough money for food without sacrificing my future.
2007-01-29 20:30:11 · answer #6 · answered by mail_me_33611 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
nope its 18
2007-02-02 00:47:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Not legally.
2007-01-29 23:31:50 · answer #8 · answered by just_my_opinion 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no
sincerely,
your mother
2007-01-29 20:22:29 · answer #9 · answered by Matthew T 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋