How Can i Legally Live on My own without being emancipated?

Question

My mother Died about a week ago and The only family i have to stay with are my sister and brother in-law in another city but i have moved around to so many schools in my life and i have finally found one i love and am involed in and i just Don't want to move away and mess up all my plans for my high school years so i was wonderin how can i legally live on my own without being emancipated if that is possible?

Answer 1

Your sister could give you permission to live with another family, if that family would take you in. You cannot live on your own if you are under age without emancipation.

Answer 2

First, let me say I am very sorry to hear about your loss. It must be awful to lose your mom so young, and I am sorry you are having to deal with that.

Since it appears you aren't in high school yet, the chances of you being emancipated are very slim. If your next of kin is your sister, and your mom did not leave directions about who should be your guardian, then I believe that legally it falls to your sister. You can talk to her, and see if she is willing to have someone where you live now appointed your legal guardian, which would allow you to stay living where you are. Naturally, you would first need to find someone who is willing to step in in that role. Do you have a close friend whose parents might be willing to do it? If there is money from your mother's estate, there may be a way for you to access the money now to help pay for your living expenses. If you don't have a friend whose parents are willing, are there any adult friends of your mom's who might be willing to help you out?

I am not really certain how the law works. My husband and I don't have any children of our own, but two different couples with whom we are very close have put us in their wills as designated guardians of their children should something happen to them. Under the provisions of the law, the kids would get the money in their insurance policies and from the sale of their assets, and we would have access to part of that to help pay the cost of raising the kids, with them getting the balance when they get older. Even if there wasn't money provided, I know we would not hesitate to take over and raise the kids, so maybe there's a friend of your mom's who feels the same way, and would be willing to be your legal guardian, at least until you can become emancipated and live on your own. I am afraid your only other option is probably becoming a ward of the state, and living in foster care.

If no one is currently responsible for you, the juvenile courts should appoint a person to protect your interests and help you with what you need and want. You may want to talk to a local law center, and explain your situation, and ask if you can come in and have a consultation. They should be able to help you out.

Be well, and best of luck to you.

Answer 3

You can't get emancipated, but you can live with any responsible adult of your choice (subject to the approval of either whoever now has custody of you or a judge).

Answer 4

You did not say how old you are, or what state you live in.