I want to leave but I don't know what to do.. Help!!

[dheb99]

So im 16 and my parents are getting divorced I live in texas and I want to get emancipated. My father was mentally abusive to me all the time in my life and my mother was very codependent with him so she never wanted to leave him until my older sister finally said something. Now my mother is being codependent with me and keeps holding me back and wants me to rely on her. She will not let me get my drivers license so i have to rely on her to take me to work every day.... Ive gotten sick with my life it even drove me to the point of suicide but I didn't go through with it cause of my nephews such good kids... I don't know if I should just run away I'm not even technically living with my mother or father at this moment I just don't know what to do I feel like getting emancipated would solve all my issues in life or running away I don't know......Advice?

[ccsmod5]

re: I want to leave but I don't know what to do.. Help!!

Hey there,

Thank you for being able to reach out to us here at the National Runaway Safeline, it seems like you have been going through quite a bit. We want you to know that we are here to listen and to help you in the best way that we can. From what you shared, it sounds like home is a pretty stressful place for you and you feel ready to leave.

We want to start off by letting you know that we are not legal experts here, meaning that we are only able to speak in general terms about your situation. We want to start off with running away; in most states, you would still be considered a minor, which means that if you were to leave home, your parents would be able to file a runaway report. If a runaway report is filed, and you are found, typically you would be forced to return home. You mentioned you have thought about emancipation, we are able to share some information about emancipation. This is the information we have about Texas:

(a) A minor may petition to have the disabilities of minority removed for limited or general purposes if the minor is:

(1) a resident of this state;
(2) 17 years of age, or at least 16 years of age and living separate and apart from the minor's parents, managing conservator, or guardian; and
(3) self-supporting and managing the minor's own financial affairs.

As we mentioned, we are not legal experts here, if you want to get some more information or better understand emancipation in your states, please feel free to reach out to the number below:

Legal Services of North Texas
214-744-5277 or 888-529-5277
Hours of Operation: 9 am to 12 pm

We hope that we were able to help you think a little more about your options and brainstorm some more with you, if you feel like you would still need some more support or go through some more options, please feel free to reach out to us here at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) we are here 24/7. We also have a live chat service which is available from 4:30 PM to 11:30 PM CST. We wish you the best of luck in whatever it is you decide to do and hope to hear from you soon.


Stay strong,

NRS

[dheb99]

Thanks

I just wanted to tell you thank you I decided to call in and I was able to express in more detail of what was going on and i got some great advice thank you so much.

[ccsmod6]

RE: Thanks

We are glad we were able to help you explore some options with you. If you need any further help or asssitance, please reach out at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Take care,

NRS