Missouri moving out at 17

[Kaila98]

I turn 17 1-6-15 in Missouri is it okay for me to move out at 17 without my parents consent? I don't get along with anyone in my house. I was wanting to move in with my boyfriend but want to know what will happen if I do.

[ccsmod13]

RE: Missouri moving out at 17

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like things at home are not what you want them to be. We are so sorry to hear that you do not get along with anyone in the house. We are here to listen and support you.

You mentioned that you want to run away and move in with your boyfriend. We think that it is great that you have someone that you can turn to for support during this difficult time for you. We are not legal experts but we can speak in general terms what could happen if you were to leave without your parents’ permission. To start off with running away is not a criminal offense, it is a status offense. This means that you cannot leave without your parents’ consent. If you were to leave without their consent then they would have an option of filing a runaway report with the police. This lets the police know that they cannot be legally responsible for you because you left without their permission. If you are found then the police would most likely bring you back to your parents. If you are found at a family member or friend’s house, then your parents may have the option of charging that person with harboring a runaway which is a misdemeanor offense.

However, you mentioned that your 17, and at 17 it can be tricky to know what the police would do. We recommend calling your local police department and asking them what would happen to a 17 year old you runaway. Some may say if you are in a safe place then they won’t bring you back home to your parents, while others may bring you back until the day you turn 18.

We hoped this helped and we encourage you to give us a call on our 24/7 hotline at 1800.786.2929 or you can chat with us on our website every day from 4:30pm-11:30pm CST. We look forward to hearing from you and Happy New Year.

NRS

[Unregistered]

I'm 16 going on 17 in June my mom is moving to Colorado but I don't want to leave I live In the state of misourri what can I do to stay here in misourri leaglly

[ccsmod2]

re: no title

Hey there,

It's a good question that you have. Honestly, without your mom's permission there may not be a way that you can stay in the state of Missouri legally. That usually requires your mom's consent to live somewhere else. You are more than welcome to chat with us and we can give you resources that can help you learn more.

We look forward to your call,
NRS

[Chloe]

Moving Out at 17

Hi! My boyfriend is 17 and his mom is wanting to move to a different city. He doesn't want to move and she's well aware of that and is giving him the option to stay in Jeff. So if he were to move in with me or a friend what kind of legal documents would his mom have to go through with guardianship and such?

[ccsmod10]

Re: Moving Out at 17

Hey There,

Thanks for reaching out to us! It sounds like everyone is in agreement in your situation which is a great start. We’re not legal experts here but speaking in general terms she would probably need to reach a verbal agreement and potentially draft up a written notarized agreement between your parents or your friend’s parents. However, it is possible that they would need to go through with exchanging guardianship depending on the circumstances. If you provide us with your city and state we would be happy to look up some legal aids in your area that could better answer any legal questions you might have. But generally the most important first step is that everyone verbally agrees that it is acceptable for him to stay with your family or your friend’s family.

Please don’t hesitate to give us a call to talk more about your specific needs! We’re here 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Thanks and good luck!
NRS

[0524]

17 moving out

Hi! I live in Missouri and I don't like my home situation. What would happen if I moved in with my girlfriend at 17? Could I legally do that?

[ccsmod6]

Re: 17 moving out

Hi there,

You mentioned wanting to know if you can legally live with your girlfriend at 17. We aren't legal experts, however, the easiest way to leave home before turning 18 is with your parent/guardian's permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling and your idea to move out with your family. The second known way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering. If you left without permission, then your parent/guardian could file you as a runaway and if police come in contact with you then you may be returned home. Often, the best way to learn about legal specifics is through your local non-emergency police or as we mentioned a legal aid office.

Please reach out soon so that we may offer support and resources to you. Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Be safe,

NRS

[Anonymous]

Moving out at 17

My parents and I ( mainly my dad ) don't get along very well and I just hate my living conditions and I want to move out next year in January when I'm 17, they said I can't leave without their consent but I've read a few things and I don't know what's the truth about the law and what's not. I do plan on moving in with my boyfriend who's in the military so I do have a steady place to go, also I currently have a job and I practically support myself by buying all my wants and needs. So am I eligible to move out without their consent?

[ccsmod15]

Re: Missouri moving out at 17

We're glad you reached out to us. We'll try to help. It sounds like you are not happy with your living conditions. It's understandable that you might want to move out. We are not legal experts but moving out without their consent or running away is not a crime; it's a status offense. However, if your parents file a runaway report, the police can look for you and return you home if they find you. There might be some differences depending on what state you live in but, in most states, those are the regulations. It's comendable that you are taking care of yourself already and have a plan. You might want to talk to your parents about your feelings and discuss your ideas and find options. We are here 24/7 and are confidential. You might want to call us to talk about your situation. Good luck!

[Unregistered]

I wanna move out. I'm only 15, I hate it here.

I am 15 years old, last year I woke 6 day before Christmas to my father dead from a heart attack. I was forced to move in with my mother, my mom doesn't understand me, she is a smartelic, a hipacrit, and takes credit for the many chores I have to do, my grandpa has a room and is willing to take me in, is there any law saying I can't just pack up and move in with Him.

[ccsmod2]

re: I wanna move out. I'm only 15, I hate it here.

Hello,

It seems that you're asking about runaway laws or laws against youth moving out without permission. In general, youth who are under 18 are not able to live where they choose, without consent from a parent or guardian. So if you leave, you could be taken back home by your mom or the police. Also, your grandpa could be charged with harboring a runaway for letting you stay there. Those are some things to consider with running away.

NRS

[Unregistered]

Re: Missouri moving out at 17

Alright... So I've been having a lot of trouble with my parents lately. I am emotionally and mentally assaulted quite often. I love my dad and my mom. I respect them, too. But I can imagine living with them for the next six months, let alone another year and six months. My birthday is November 4th, I'll be turning 17 on that day. I live in Missouri. Up until about six months ago I have been in D.F.S. custody. Am I allowed to just leave home on my birthday? What would happen to me if I did? I have a job and decent income. I have someone that I could move in with, too. I do still go to school and am currently a Junior. I plan on finishing school, and then going to college. I want to leave my house, but I don't want the aftermath if I were to be brought back home. Is this even possible? Would I be allowed to stay away from my house without being brought back? Please help me, I need to know.

[ccsmod7]

Re: Missouri moving out at 17

Hello, thanks for reaching out. It sounds like you are going through a hard time at home, and you want to know what will happen if you leave home. Here at NRS, we are not legal experts. Usually the legal age you can leave your home without permission is 18. Since you are under 18, your parents can file a runaway report with the police. If the police pick you up, they typically will return you home. It depends on your local police department’s runaway protocol, sometimes they will not return you if you are close to 18. It is best to contact your local police department and ask them about what they do with runaway reports.
The easiest way to leave your house before you are 18 is to get permission from your parents. Emancipation is another option. However, it can be timely and costly. It would also require you to prove that you can support yourself in court. If you would like to talk about your options and your current situation, we strongly encourage you to call or live chat us so we can have a more fluid conversation.
We look forward to hearing from you and we wish you the best,

NRS

[Unregistered]

17 Age of Majority

Everyone in my town knows that in Missouri, the legal age of consent is 17. Does that include moving out? I don't get along with my household and I turn 17 in just a few months. I want to move out as soon as possible, but I know my mother would retaliate against me using the police. What I want to know is, can I move into a friend's house where I am safe at the age of 17? I believe that being 17 makes it legal for me to make that decision, but my mother on the other hand would make the police bring me home.