Will be 18 Soon and Need to Leave

[Unregistered]

My mother has bipolar disorder, which has brought a great deal of stress to my family life. As of April, I will be eighteen years of age, and therefore a legal adult. Would it still be possible for her to prevent me from going, or would she possibly be able to call the police on me? I would be living at a friend's house at least temporarily, until my mother and I can manage to work things out in our relationship.
I would continue to regularly attend high school, which I am on track to graduate from this coming June.
I wish to speak to my mother directly before leaving, rather than simply leaving a note for her to find later. However, I am afraid that then she will refuse to let me leave the house after that. Could she prevent me from leaving?

[ccsmod5]

RE: Will be 18 Soon and Need to Leave

Hey,
Thanks for reaching out to our agency. Sounds like you’re going through a very difficult time and trying to go about this the right way. We’re here to help as best as we can.

Sorry to hear that your mom’s condition seems to be negatively impacting everyone at home. Sounds like you’re ready to leave without causing yourself any legal problems.

We’re not legal experts but the age of majority in most states is 18 (where you’re allowed to leave home without permission from the person that WAS your legal guardian). So, if in your state the age of majority is 18, you are free to leave without your mom LEGALLY keeping you there. She might try and convince you, but that holds no legal ground.

Does that help? If you’d like to figure out what the legal age of adulthood is in your area, you can search online for your police department and you might get the non-emergency number.

If you’d like to explore more options before or after anything happens, we’re here 24/7 and can talk about things that might be available to you. We’re anonymous and confidential and can speak with you at 1800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Best of luck,
NRS