18 and ready to leave

[Guest]

hi,
i just recently turned 18 in january and i constantly keep having problems at home with my parents. they always yell at me for the smallest things and they still try to control who i talk to, where i work, who i can see, etc. they completely don't trust me with ANYTHING and i haven't done anything for them not to. the worst thing that has been happening is that i would come home at like 11:30 on some days after i got off work at 9. but it happened because i'd either go hang out with friends, go out to eat, or go work out. they went crazy in those days. they would scream at me, take everything away from me, made me quit my job, made me take the bus to school. somedays i just feel really depressed. i started failing school because of that...i can't focus with them always yelling at me everyday. this has been going on since i was in 9th grade. i've been wanting to leave the house a long time ago...but now that im officially 18 i think im going to. i actually want to leave tomorrow night and not tell them anything. im so sick of all this. i just wanted to know if i can legally do that..and i wanted to know if they have any control over returning me back home. and if they call the cops, what would happen? i have a great job, im starting online schooling, and i have a great place to stay. i have amazing friends and im honestly more happy with them then with my own family. so can you please help me?

[ccsmod4]

Re: 18 and ready to leave

Hello,

thanks for posting on our bulletin board at NRS.
It sounds like you have had a tough time finding some common ground with your parents.
You are 18 yrs old and want to know if you can leave home leagally.
18 is the majority age in most states which means you are considered an adult and would not be classified as a runaway.
Since we are not legal experts it is difficult for us to give you specifics answers to your question. It may be a good idea to check the legal age limit law as it applies to your state.
Your local police department may be able to supply you with this information.
It sounds like you have some options if you were to move out. Having good friends who are supportive hopefuly brings some comfort while dealing with this situation.
Have you considered talking to your parents about moving out? How do you think they would feel about the plan you have?
How do you feel about being on your own? You can call our 24hr 1-800-Runaway hotline number if you would like to talk more about your situation or to look for available referrals in you area. We appreciate you taking the time to contact us and wish you well.

Take Care,
NRS