Thinking about getting emancipated.

[Unregistered]

(Edited for Content)
I have been planning to get emancipated for who knows how long now, but I finally came up with a plan that might work but I'm not sure if it will. I previously asked my mom if I could live on my own, she said it was a very likely possibility she would allow me to. I want to type up a document saying exactly what will be allowed, i.e. I can live on my own and other things saying that the people I will be living with have not kidnapped me as they are 20+ and I am 17 in a few months etc. I will have witnesses and I will also record the signing of this document just in case she attempts to get me back and get my friends in trouble. After I move out and have a stable job I want to get emancipated. However, I will be moving to a different state from where I am currently in and I also do not know how to go about that. My home situation is not very healthy, mentally and physically. My mom does not hit me but my environment is very unhealthy. I DO NOT WANT MY MOM TO GET IN TROUBLE. My reasons are my brother and I. I don't want to be put into a foster home when I'm so close to getting out nor do I want my brother going through the system. I turn 17 in June but I want to move out May-June.

What do I do? Is this a good plan? How would I get emancipated in a different state? How do I get a worker's permit to work full-time as I am going to get my GED/go to school where I will be moving.

[ccsmod0]

re: Thinking about getting emancipated.

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out tonight and sharing your story with us. It sounds like you are going through so much at home. You certainly deserve to live in a safe and supportive and clean environment that isn’t hazardous to your health. It’s smart of you to put together a plan and to reach out for some guidance. So let’s see how we can help you out tonight.

So we aren’t legal experts here, but we are able to speak generally as to what might happen. The document idea is not a bad idea. However, even if you write out a document and have your mom sign it, that doesn’t change the fact that she has every right to change her mind and report you as a runaway. Although having her sign a document might be helpful, that document would not count for anything in court or with the police.

You do have the right to explore emancipation. If your mom is open to it, the process can be a lot faster and easier. If you’re interested in moving forward with that, you can call the National Center for Youth Law at 510-835-8098x3012. They would be open during normal business hours.

An option for you that might be helpful is an organization called Job Corps. They help with getting your GED, while giving you employment and housing. Job Corps is for people around your age. To look more into that, you can call them at 1-800-733-5627.

If you need to get out of the house right now, are you able to get permission from your mom to stay with a family friend or a family member? Sometimes the more time you have to prepare to move, the safer or more solid the plan can be.

We are here to help you put together that solid plan, talk through jobs, and just listen to your story. Please feel free to call us 24 hours a day at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). We are anonymous and confidential. If you aren’t able to call, you can chat with us through our website (www.1800runaway.org) from 4.30pm-11.30pm Central Time. We look forward to your call or chat.

Best of luck to you,

NRS

[Unregistered]

I will take all of that into consideration.

Something I forgot to mention in my original post is that I live in New Mexico and I've been told that at the age of 17 if a parent gives permission for me to move out I can legally leave, is that true?

[ccsmod0]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out again. You're asking good questions. So, although we aren't specifically sure about NM, if your mom gives you permission to move out, you have the right to do that. But your mom also has the right to change her mind all the way up until you are 18.

Now, if your mom gives you permission to move out at 17, that doesn't mean that you are legally an adult. You would still need your mom to enroll you in school and sign for you to get an apartment or a lease.

We hope that information helps. In order to talk more, you can call us 24 hours a day at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). Please call us if you any other questions.

We look forward to your call.

Good luck,

NRS

[Unregistered]

The only thing I care about is not getting my friends in trouble. That's the main reason for the document. Could they still get in trouble even if I acknowledge them in it saying they are not kidnapping me and I gave my consent to be with them and she signs it?

[ccsmod7]

Thinking about getting emancipated

If you have a document that your mom signed it certainly would help the situation because that would say at some point she gave consent for you to go with your friends. If you are going willingly that is not necessarily considered kidnapping. In some states there is such a thing as harboring a runaway/minor. We are not aware of a specific law in New Mexico referring to harboring a runaway youth but it also sounds like you are trying to take some good steps to avoid your friends from getting in trouble for this.

A lot of these are specific legal questions so those are hard for us to answer because we are not lawyers. If may be easier to talk through this situation and give you further resources if you contact us directly at our 24 hour hotline 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or through our live chat available from 4:30p to 11:30p CST. Remember that all of our services are confidential and anonymous. We look forward to hearing from you.