Moving out of the house at 17 with parent's consent in California - Read Details?

Question

I'm 17 yrs old and my ex-stepdad (who my mother just divorced) is moving back in. He's not a good step-father AT ALL. My mom doesn't believe me, but I'm almost positive he likes me... He would call me "hot" and such when he would be drunk and try to get in my room while I would be changing. He didn't approve of my boyfriend so he broke us up and he has never given me a reason why. I was absolutely ecstatic when my mom divorced him, but, like I said, he's moving back in at the end of this month. He's been over before and I REALLY don't want to feel awkward and uncomfortable in my own house, 24/7! I'll be 18 in a about 3 1/2 months (on Nov. 2nd) and my mom knows I don't like him, and she said it was O.K. if I moved out and that she would help me with furniture and car insurance. I have maybe $750 in my bank account and I plan to go to community college. What else do I need to know? How much do you think I would need to make to survive? Where should I live? What job would you suggest?

Answer 1

The problem is, your parents cannot legally allow you to leave unless you are attending college, without possibly being charged with child neglect.

The bottom line is...you are a minor. You can't even get an apartment because you cannot legally sign a contract, and I can't imagine a landlord doing so.

I personally, would report this to social services and would be more than happy to spend 3 months in a foster home before you stayed in that situation, unless you can stay with a friend.

Your mother, until you are 18, is legally responsible for you.

I think you would be better off living on campus at a major university...that way you can have your meals included in a plan, a place to stay, all utilities paid for...and you may have to work very little. With financial aid, you may be able to qualify for enough grants to pay for all of it. Sometimes that is a better option than a CC.

Answer 2

Can you stay with family until you are 18? Maybe even a friend? The problem is that you can't rent a place of your own before then.

How much money you will need depends largely on where you live and how much housing is there. You need to figure on about 100 a week for food, another 300 a month for utilities, 500 a month for car insurance and gas, and then another 200 a month for television, telephone, and internet access. So, that is $1,100 plus whatever your rent ends up being.

Answer 3

I'm sorry to hear your troubles. To be honest with you it's not going to be easy... unless your mom plans to pay your monthly rent and sign the lease for you, you're not going to find anyone to rent you a place without any income coming in. Not to discourage you but California is very expensive place to lived. I moved here in California about the same age as you with $700 in my pocket but I knew someone who already lived here so I moved in with her for a few months. Although that helped me a little bit my money depleted pretty quick I didn't have too many job experience so had a hard time finding a job. I couldn't enrolled to school because I needed to establish my residency otherwise I would have to pay an out-of-state tuition which is 3x more than what you would pay as a California resident. As you can see there's a lot to consider before making your big move but if your mom is willing to support you until you're settled and established your residency then go for it because once you do you can qualify for a lot of financial aids and even get a free tuition. I'm not going to lie and tell you that it was sweet sailing after...I lived alone and have no family here so it took a lot of effort on my part to survive and it still a struggle sometimes.
In regards to your stepfather I would report him... or setup a video cam in your room so when he comes in it would be all in the taped then throw his *** in jail. Good luck to you but if you have any other question my email is [e-mail]

Answer 4

I would suggest trying to move in with a friend to start to help you get on your feet, get a job, get a little money saved up and then try to get a cheap apartment nearby the community college. That is a very terrible situation and I am sorry to hear about what is going on. You can get almost any type of job depending on what you like and you will most likely be able to afford a cheap apartment. Front desk at a tanning salon, waitress at a local restaurant, customer service for a call center, sales associate at a clothing or retail store, etc.... I would try to apply for your FAFSA for college as an independent based on your situation and I would recommend doing that as soon as possible if you are looking to attend college this fall or winter. Best of luck with everything and let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

Answer 5

Your mother should also be prepared to co-sign a rental lease for you, since you cannot enter into a legal contract until the age of 18 unless legally emancipated. I have no idea what rents in your area are, but my guess that what you have in the bank will pay for a security deposit only, and then you're broke. You will need funds for monthly rents, furniture, an automobile with insurance, gas for said automobile, tuition expenses, clothing and laundry expense, food for yourself, tuition funds and other expenses for the education aspect, plus an amount of 'spare money' for daily essentials and a bit of entertainment, unless you plan to live like a hermit.

Add it all up and figure it out.

Answer 6

Get a tape recorder, a small one, digital, that makes no noise. Wait until he's drunk and get him talking to you. If he makes a "suggestion" of an over sexual content/nature, then he will have a new address: like San Quentin State Prison. It's time for the cops. This is a child molester...save yourself, as well as some other kid down the road. Doing the "right thing" is never easy in life. I am so sorry.

Answer 7

In many states it is not illegal, so far as your state is concerned, it seems you must have consent until the age of 18. By the way, you are not so small baby to be ignore at this juncture.

Answer 8

i no you need too get gone and fast! get away from this perv but honey how you gonna move with no job? i dont get it just dont become a stripper! lol dont you have a boyfriend or girlfriend you could move in with or share the$$ with?