can I move out at 17

[JakeFromStateFarm]

Im currently 16 a female and live in Missouri. I dont like the atmosphere of my house. My parents use to hit me. They dont do it anymore because they know ill call the police the next time it happens. They will sometimes abuse me verbally and target me emotionally though. I know they love me but they have a bad way of showing it. I want to move in with my boyfriend who will be 20 by the time im 17 and we will have been together for 3 years. Is there any way I can do this legally without my parents consent?

[ccsmod3]

Re: can I move out at 17

Hello there,

We're glad you decided to reach out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you have been through a lot and are seriously considering moving out with your boyfriend. We are sorry to hear your parents use to hit you and you don't deserve to be verbally abused either. We aren't legal experts, but can provide general information about what tends to happen in runaway situations. Running away is normally just a status offense, so it isn't exactly illegal. However, as a minor you can't legally do so if that makes sense. Laws associated with running away tend to affect the adults helping the runaway. Harboring a runaway, crossing state lines with a minor, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor are commonly associated with helping a runaway.

We can look up legal aid or even your local law enforcement if you would like to provide your city/town . If you are more comfortable reaching out directly, we offer Live Chat every day from 4:30 to 11:30pm CST through http://www.1800runaway.org and simply clicking on the red Live Chat button . Or, you can always call us 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929.)
Good luck!

-NRS

[Unregistered]

I am 17 and a mother can I move out?

[ccsmod7]

Re:

Thank you for contacting us with your questions. It sounds like you are considering moving out of your home but unsure what would happen because you are still 17. In most states the age of majority, when you are considered an adult and can leave home without permission, is 18. Even if you are a mother these rules still usually apply. So if you leave home at the age of 17 your parents may have the right to make a runaway report or have you back home. Although depending on how close you are to being 18 the police may not take a report or make you return back home depending on the specific policies in your city/state. How do you think your parent/guardian would react if you left home? That can also be a factor. If they are okay with it then it shouldn't be much of an issue.

We are not legal experts and we are not affiliated with the police so it's always a bit difficult to know exactly what they would do. If you would like to talk through this situation more in depth you can always give us a call at our 24 hour hotline 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). All of our services are confidential and anonymous and there is always someone here to talk through safe options and next steps if needed. We also have a live chat available through our website from 4:30p to 11:30p CST if you would feel more comfortable reaching out that way. There is always someone here to listen and here to help. Take care.