Double-checking age requirements.

[Unregistered]

My parents are pretty frequent with their threats
so at this point i've made a habit of ignoring them
but i'd rather not be hauled home after going as far as i am
so i want to make sure:

i'm 20. I want to run away.
(Granted i've been living away from my parents in a neighboring city for a year and a half)
I want to move about 1500 miles away.
So, am i LEGALLY able to "runaway" in Arizona without any other implications?

(I'm leaving everything they're currently paying for. Car, cell phone, etc.)

[ccsmod5]

Re: Double-checking age requirements.

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out to us. Sounds like things are very intense between you and your folks. It's good to see that you're looking for answers before making any big moves.

If you're already living way from your parents, what kinds of threats are they making towards you that are holding you back from leaving/living even further? What made you live in another town in the first place?

The legal age of adulthood in most states is 18. A legal adult is allowed to choose where they want to live and can sign into contracts (marriage, lease, education, etc) without a parent. We're not quite sure about this but if you're 20, there is a good chance that your parent's wouldn't be able to force you back home. The best way to find out is to call your local police department (Non-emergency) and ask them what you need to know:

-What is the legal age of adulthood in AZ?
-At what age can someone decide to move out of a home and live where they want to live?
-Can parents force a 20 year old back home if that person doesn't want that?

Hope some of this stuff helps. If you want to explore this a bit more you can call our crisis line at 1800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) 24 hours a day. You can also contact us on our live chat service between 430p-1130p (CST).

Best of luck,
NRS

[Unregistered]

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out to us. Sounds like things are very intense between you and your folks. It's good to see that you're looking for answers before making any big moves.

If you're already living way from your parents, what kinds of threats are they making towards you that are holding you back from leaving/living even further? What made you live in another town in the first place?

The legal age of adulthood in most states is 18. A legal adult is allowed to choose where they want to live and can sign into contracts (marriage, lease, education, etc) without a parent. We're not quite sure about this but if you're 20, there is a good chance that your parent's wouldn't be able to force you back home. The best way to find out is to call your local police department (Non-emergency) and ask them what you need to know:

-What is the legal age of adulthood in AZ?
-At what age can someone decide to move out of a home and live where they want to live?
-Can parents force a 20 year old back home if that person doesn't want that?

Hope some of this stuff helps. If you want to explore this a bit more you can call our crisis line at 1800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) 24 hours a day. You can also contact us on our live chat service between 430p-1130p (CST).

Best of luck,
NRS

Thanks for your help.

My mom and dad have been "allowing" me to live in a city that's closer to my old college.
Unfortunately, the college and i wasn't working out so my current financial situation prevents me from living in that particular apartment complex.
I have a job and am currently saving up a nest egg for my future trip.

The threats they're issuing are stipulations for me living with them
and a couple "and if you don't like it, we'll call the cops and haul you back home".

I'm running away because even though i love them
i respect them and i'm thankful for everything they've done for me
when i reach out to them- it doesn't seem to make much of a difference.

i'm depressed and used to be suicidal
and in this past year, a lot of stuff has gone just terribly wrong for me.
i've lost a lot of money,
gotten sick an awful lot,
and lost friends and my fiance..

the only thing that makes me happy anymore and gives me meaning
is about 4 states away
and thats why i'm leaving.

But i'll take your advice and call up my local police department.

[ccsmod8]

RE: Double-checking age requirements

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to us again for support. You are welcome for the support we have already given to you. We hope to continue to be there for you throughout these difficult times. It sounds like you are still trying to sort out the logistics of your life regarding school and where you wish to live.

It sounds like there have been moments where your parents continue to find ways to control the things you wish to do outside of what you want. We empathize for how tough your situation has been. We are here for you to figure out other options. We are concerned mainly for your safety but we also have resources for counseling if that is something you will like to get from us. We do not provide it directly although you are welcome to call us anytime for support and resources.

We have a database set up to help with local resources. It sound like so much happening to you all at once. You mentioned suicide. If by chance you were to continue to feel this way one number to contact is the National Suicide Hotline at 1800-273-TALK (8255). They are more experts in this area. They are also there to speak with you if you are feeling depress. What exactly is the thing that is four states away that makes you happy? It sounds like intend to rely on this for support or help.

You are welcome to hold onto our number if they are somewhere and need shelter or a place to get food or perhaps just to talk. We wish you luck and hope you stay strong.

-NRS