Can I move out of my house at age 17?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Can I move out of my house at age 17?

I know age of majority is 18 but I personally can’t wait until then. I don’t want to be emancipated. I don’t know what else to do.

Asked on April 26, 2011 under Family Law, Illinois

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

The fact is that moving out as a minor can have legal consequences for you.  The "age of majority" (that is the age when you legally become an adult) is 18.  Until then you are a "minor" and subject to your parents authority and control (but not abuse).  Therefore you can't simply move out.

Although you state that you do not want to be legally emancipated that is the only way a minor can live on their own.  A minor can become emancipated before their 18th birthday in several ways (although it varies from state-to-state).  Some common ways are they: join the military, get married, or obtain a court order granting emancipation.  With respect to going to court, in order to successfully petition for emancipation a minor would have to show, among other things that, they have a safe place to stay, they can financially provide for themselves, and they are stable and mature enough to handle the responsibilities of adulthood.  However, courts do not routinely grant emancipation. 

At this point you need to speak with a responsible adult (minister, teacher, relative, etc) and go over your reasons for wanting to leave.  From there, possibly they can help you find out exactly what the requirements are to become emancipated in your state (if you decide to change your mind about being emancipated) .  And by all means if abuse is involved call the police immediately.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption