If I’m 16 years old but want to be independent and don’t want to be controlled by family any more, can I leave?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

If I’m 16 years old but want to be independent and don’t want to be controlled by family any more, can I leave?

Asked on July 9, 2015 under Estate Planning, Washington

Answers:

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

Answered 8 years ago | Contributor

You can't move out of you parents' home without their permission, at least until you reach the "age of majority", that is 18. Until then, they are responsible for you. If you leave now they can report you as a runaway and have the police bring you back.

If you want to move out before your 18th birthday, you will need to become "emancipated" What this entails is appearing before a judge and convincing them to legally separate you from your parents. If you are successful in doing so, you will be granted your emancipation. At this point you would assume most of the responsibilities of an adult. However, you would need to show convincing evidence that you can support yourself and have an acceptable place to live, etc.


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