Is there a law letting kids be seperated from their parents?

Question

My friend is 16 and his family is moving to Alabama probably around summer of 2008. Is there any law (in Michigan) that will let him stay here if he can? He does want to stay.

Answer 1

the parents may be able to give temporary custody to another family member or person so he can stay in Michigan or he can check into emancipation (which is a very difficult thing to achieve):

A Teenagers guide to Emancipation:
http://www.larcc.org/pamphlets/children_...

Emancipation of Minors - All US States:
http://usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_...

the easiest way to go would be to get his parents to allow temporary custody to be given to someone.

Answer 2

You friend could be emancipated, but the odds are most judges will not emancipate a minor unless they can prove they are already responsible for themselves and financially independant (that why child stars can "divorce" their parents.)

If thats not your friend, the next option woud be a transfer of custody. If this person had an adult approved by the state (good job, house, no criminal history, no mental heath problems) that was willing the take physical custody and legal responsiblility, then he could remain in Michigan with that person until his 18th birthday.

Answer 3

Legally, they must be emancipated, and I suspect your friend is not.

Until he is 18 or emancipated he has no choice. Be careful as you are on a slippery slope of interference with custody, a crime!

Answer 4

If his parents agree, they can let him stay with another responsible adult who they trust. If they disagree, he's probably out of luck unless he wants to try emancipation (which is very difficult and tedious). What's wrong with Alabama?

Answer 5

he can go down to municipal building and file for emancipation