If I’m 17 years old and have a job and can support myself, can I move out without my parents saying I ran away?
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If I’m 17 years old and have a job and can support myself, can I move out without my parents saying I ran away?
Asked on June 15, 2015 under Family Law, Georgia
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
No, you can't. Legally, you can only move out without your parents’ permission when you reach the what is known as the "age of majority", that is 18 years old.�Until that time, your parents are responsible for you and can have the police bring you back as a runaway if you leave without their consent. However,if you leave their home but they know that you are with another responsible adult and allow you to stay, they are in effect giving their permission for you to be there. Additionally, if while you are there, they do not provide reasonable support and/or maintain regular contact, their actions may be deemed abandonment.
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if you want to move out prior to your 18th birthday, there is one other way for you. That is to appear before a judge and become "emancipated". This means that the court can legally separate you from your parents if it so decides. If emancipated, you would assume most of the responsibilities of an adult. Before this would be done however, you would have to show that you can live independently; basically that you can support yourself and have an acceptable place to live, etc.
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