Leaving home without telling parents at 18

[Guest]

What is the legal age I can leave my home in Florida?

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing a little bit about what’s been going on, we know that it takes a lot of courage. The age of majority (adulthood) in Florida is 18. This means that once you turn 18 you are considered a legal adult and may live where you wish (this may not be the case if you are currently on parole or probation). If you’d like to go over what’s going on in depth, or if you’d like to explore other options that you may have available to you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. You can also chat us by clicking on the “CHAT” button on top of our homepage. We’re open 24/7 and here to listen and support you in any way we can.

We'd love to hear from you about your experience using our crisis forum. Your feedback plays an important role in helping us improve our services to support youth and families. Please click the link below to fill out our survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/we_care_what_you_think

Stay safe,
NRS

[Guest]

i'm 18 and i want to move out my parents house but i'm so scared to tell them
i'm in Georgia

[ccsmod5]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to us and explaining a bit about your situation. We are open 24/7, always here to listen and help in any way we can.

Moving out can definitely be a stressful conversation to have. At 18 years old, you are considered a legal adult and are now able to move out. If you want our help talking with you and your parents about moving out on your own, we do offer conference calling services.

Please, call us or chat and we can explain more how that process would go. We’re confidential at NRS so we would never share or talk about anything with your parents that you didn’t want discussed.

We can also help you plan how you will be living on your own and look up resources in your area support you.

Again, thanks for reaching out to us. Please give us a call or chat with us on our website. We are open 24/7 and always here for you.

Stay safe, NRS

[Guest]

I’m going to be 18 in about a year and I need to move out as soon as I finish high school (about a month later). I know that I can legally and could cut off my parents completely, however my concern is primarily with financial matters and also I have always desired to go to college and I doubt I’d be able to do that if I left home. I really can’t wait until I’m done with college though.

[ccsmod16]

Hi, Thank you for reaching out to us; we are glad that you did. It sounds like things have been difficult at home and that you are looking forward to moving out. You do have the right to determine the relationship you have with your parents after 18, including not having one at all. You deserve to have the life of safety that you envision.

You may want to consult with your school counselor about financial aid. They will be the best resource to navigating the possibilities that you have if your parents aren’t involved at all. You may have to consider working while going to school, or maybe they have other ideas for you to consider.

The best way for us to help you is to reach out to us by phone or chat so that we can talk this over with you. Either call 1800-786-2929 or chat via www.1800runaway.org We are here for you to listen and help.
Sincerely,
NRS

[Guest]

Hey I’m 18 finna be 19 in 3 more months I can’t stand living with my mom. I’m never happy I’m really depressed all the time and every little thing I do it doesn’t seem good enough. I really need my own space . It’s been hard looking for a job but nothing I do matters , I’m just stuck with nobody to help me .

[ccsmod15]

Thanks for sharing a little bit about what's going on with you and your mom. It sounds like a really difficult situation and you want to leave home to be on your own. Fortunately, at 18 years old there is no legal reason why your age would prevent you from doing that, since you are no longer a minor. So even if you left home without "permission" you would not be considered a runaway. But we understand that it's also not always that simple and you might need to line some things up before you can live independently.

Fortunately, there sometimes more options out there than you may realize. For instance, in our database we have a number of resources that may help. It may be possible that there are transitional living programs (TLP's) near you that would accept you.Sometimes TLP's are connected to a shelter, but they usually are longer term and provide assistance in getting you on your feet to live independently. Often they also have things like counseling, which you might also benefit from. If you give us a call or chat with us we can see if there are any TLP's near you.

Another option that might help with finding a job is Job Corps. Here is their website: https://www.jobcorps.gov/

Please know that things can get better and that you ARE good enough. Talking things through might really help, though. Please feel free to reach out to us by phone at 1-800-RUNAWAY or through chat via the portal at www.1800runaway.org. We are here 24/7 and are confidential. Hope to hear from you soon!

All the best,
NRS

[Guest]

I have a plan to move out of state in a few days with my boyfriend and everything is set and stone. my dad has some anger problems and will freak out so me and his mom decided if i left in the night with leaving a note my mom knows and she was supported at first but now since the time is coming she isn’t anymore. She’s saying i’m a bad child for not saying anything. I’m doing this to better my life and to not be in a protective obsessive bubble and can’t do anything. There’s no going back but i wish i could tell him. Do you think that’s the best idea

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us here at NRS. It sounds like you have a lot going on at home and we are glad you reached out for help. It must be scary to deal with your father’s anger but you are not alone.

While we’re not legal experts, the typical age you can leave home is 18. If you are 18 years of age or older, you have the right to live independently. The most important issue to us here at NRS is your safety. You also have the right at any age to live free from a threatening environment so if you ever feel unsafe, we encourage you to call 9-11.
As for letting your parents/dad know you are safe and secure in your new home NRS does offer a messaging service where we can reach out to your parents with a message to relay on your behalf. We also have conference calling options if you wanted to talk with your parents but have support on your side to try and keep things civil.

Sometimes having a space to talk about things in detail also brings about solutions you may not have considered. We are available to discuss options over the phone at 1-800-786-2929or chat with us live at 1800RUNAWAY.org. Either way, we hope you will reach out.

Stay safe,

NRS

[Guest]

Hi, so currently I am 13 years old and I need advice when I leave my home. I don’t plan on leaving at such a young age I want to leave after college and get a job with a steady money income. My home situation is very toxic. My parents are very sexist and use religion as an excuse for everything. They believe because I am a girl I will never be able to leave my house(except for school and going to a store) or move out unless I am married. It’s not even like I can choose who I get married to. Right now I am engaged to someone I don’t know because my parents are forcing me into an arranged marriage. I don’t want to marry him. I want to go to collage, get a job, move out, and then find a lover. Not a person my parents choose. My parents are Muslims and don’t allow me to do anything. I am not allowed to wear pants near any males including my brother or dad, they make me and my sister cook and clean while my brothers can go out and hang out with there friends. I am forced to wear a hajab and this long thing that covers my whole entire body. My parents argue a lot and brake a lot of stuff in the house. However, a good thing is my dad doesn’t hit me, only my mother does. My mom doesn’t hit me that hard but only when I do something wrong. So basically I need advice on what age to move out and how to move out discreetly take my stuff with me without getting caught. It’s very important I do this secretly because today my mom heard me talking about moving out and she said if she ever heard me say that bull******** ever again she will send me to my home country and marry me off. I know she is serious because my cousin was caught with a boyfriend and her parents beat her then sent to my home country where it is legal to marry your children off at age 10 or old. They sent pictures of her wedding to my family and the parents use those pictures so scare the kids into submission. I don’t want this to happen because once I get to my home county there is no chance of escape. Also one of my other cousins father killed her for loosing her virginity to someone that wasn’t going to be her future husband. This happened in my home country, I don’t know how he got away. Our family wanted to give her a funeral but her father said that she didn’t deserve it because she a whore. My family’s culture is very sexist and misogynistic and VERY HOMOPHOBIC. My aunt from my dads side beat her son for kissing a boy. I called cps and now the mom isn’t allowed to see him. So basically this is my family and I need help to find a way out!

[ccsmod3]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I am 19 years old, almost 20 and I want to move out of my parents home. I already have a lease agreement and have roommates and a very stable job. My college is paid for by a scholarship so that’s not an expense either. My problem is the area I want to move to in California is very close knit and they know I will be there. I’m worried about them finding me and trying to drag me back, or preventing me for taking my stuff and leaving. I don’t know how to handle the situation because I haven’t told them I’m leaving yet and I plan on leaving in 1-2 days. Also I just want to make clear I don’t want anything to do with them once I’m gone or to maintain any relationship. Thanks for any advice

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing a little bit about what’s been going on, we know that it takes a lot of courage. Venturing out on your own can be very exciting but also scary. Since you are a legal adult you are free to leave your home at any time. Your parents could request that the police conduct a "wellness/safety check" but as soon as the police find that you aren't in danger they'll let you be. If you feel like you will not be safe getting your things or physically leaving your parents home you may want to call out to your local police department to arrange an escort for you to ensure your safety.

You mentioned that you are not interested in maintaining a relationship with your parents once you leave. It sounds like there has been a lot of tension between you for quite a while. If you are interested in rebuilding something with your parents, it could be a good idea to try family counseling or have a conversation mediated by a third party like a friend, family member, or someone from your faith community. We can also conduct a conference call with your parents or relay messages to them if you'd like.

If you’d like to go over what’s going on in depth, or if you’d like to explore other options that you may have available to you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. You can also chat us by clicking on the “CHAT” button on top of our homepage. We’re open 24/7 and here to listen and support you in any way we can.

Stay safe,
NRS

We'd love to hear from you about your experience using our crisis forum. Your feedback plays an important role in helping us improve our services to support youth and families. Please click the link below to fill out our survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/we_care_what_you_think

[Guest]

Hi , I just turned 18 like a month ago and want move out of my dads house my relationship with him is horrible he picks my stepmom over me 24/7 , she breaks my stuff is mentally and physically abusive to me . I want to move out without anyone knowing where I’m at . I have a place to stay and all that and since my dad knows I don’t currently have a phone I guess that helps . I’m a little scared because I’ll miss my lil brother and sister I want to stay in contact with them but I know that’s not gonna happen . I’m scared my dad will get the police and social media involved . I’ve been dealing with bs for 18 years and I’m just tired.

[ccsmod0]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and you mentioned being harmed. We’re sorry you’re going through this. You don't deserve to be hurt in any way. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. You may also be able to report any mistreatment to CPS. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed. They can tell you more about how CPS could respond to your situation. If you ever need assistance calling out to CPS to make an abuse or neglect report please call is at 1-800-RUNAWAY.
Since you are 18 you are more than likely considered a legal adult which means that you can move out if you want to and you won’t be considered a runaway. As a legal adult, you have a right to make your own decisions about where you live. We can help you make a plan for how to deal with your situation and help you find resources to land on your feet. Having a plan for where you will live and how you will survive once you move out can be very helpful. Moving can be a huge step, and you don’t have to be alone. Some steps you can take towards independence might be to find employment if you don’t have an income, or to save up money for moving expenses. It can also be helpful to research rents in your area, find a roommate, or make a budget. Another thing you might want to consider is what kinds of things you depend on your parents for currently such as tuition expenses for school, or health insurance, and whether they would continue to provide those things after you leave. There may be social service agencies in your area that can help meet some of these needs, such as Transitional Living Programs, a kind of shelter where young adults can live and get services to help them transition to independent living. We are here to listen and help however we can.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. You are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.
If you would like to talk more in detail please chat soon through our website www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button) if you are unable to call in. We unfortunately cannot give advice as we are non-directive. You know your situation best
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I’m 18,nearly 19 and I live in a normal country somewhere in Asia.However I want to study abroad in Europe and my parents don’t want me to go.I have been accepted and all reliable financial resources(a place to stay,sponsorships etc.)I’m planning to leave soon without telling them.I tried to talk with them,I told them that I want a life without any uncomfortable pressure of conservative parents.They didn’t respect my ideas,they said that if I leave,there is no way of back for me.However I’m stuck in a mood where I’m truly dead inside because I have to make a choose between my life and the life my parents asked for me.

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,
Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you are in a difficult situation, and we understand it takes courage to reach out for help. The National Runaway Safeline is located in the United States of America (USA). Our knowledge of helpful community based resources and our understanding of youth in crisis related laws is limited to the USA. If you are located in a country outside of the USA, you can use this link to find a youth helpline in or around your country: https://www.childhelplineinternation...pline-network/.
We hope that by reaching out to a local resource, you are able to get the support you need from an organization that understands the laws and circumstances that affect youth in your country.
NRS

[Guest]

Hello, I turn 18 in December, and want to move out, I’ve told my parents and they said I can do what I want but then say I’m going to fail and won’t be able to attend college or live secessfuly. They always try to guilt trip me into staying and to go on a Mormon mission but I really don’t want to go, I’m always grounded and don’t have any freedoms expect going to work. I do online high school so I’ll still be able to do that if I move out and can even finish before then, and if I get atleast B plus’s in all my classes I’ll have a scholarship to get my generals out of the way, what do I need to do to be able to move out and be secessful at 18, I would want to leave around January because I’ve been grounded for the past year and a half and they will continue to treat me like this till I move out, they’re sick of me and to be frank I’m sick of living under there roof. Please let me know what I need to do in the next four months to be able to be financially stable, find a place to stay, what insurances I need and all the small but important stuff I need to consider in this process, and also how much I need to make to be able to accomplish this goal.

[Guest]

hi i’m almost 18 and i really want to leave without telling my parents. i already have somewhere i can stay and i have a job ready and waiting for me when i turn 18 but i am terrified. i have mexican parents that don’t care about any american law of being a legal adult at 18 but i have never been able to do anything for myself and with what i want to do for college, they are more than likely not going to agree with what i want to do. i on the other hand, have a handful of people ready to support me and let me stay with them. i need to leave in order for me to be happy. what will happen when i leave?

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by forum to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi how are you

[ccsmod6]

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We are doing well and we hope that you are, too. If you have any questions for us or about us, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-786-2929 or chat us at 1800runaway.org.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I am going to be 18 in 14 days and I want to move out of my house on my birthday I told my parents and they said they will forcefully bring me back home once I leave I was planning on leaving a note telling them I will be okay but for them not to find me because I want nothing to do with them am I able to do that?

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for taking the time to share your situation with us on our Bulletin. While we are not legal experts, we can speak generally on this. The age of majority is the age at which you are considered a legal adult with the legal freedom to choose where you live. In most states, the age of majority is 18 meaning you would most likely be able to leave home. Your parents would not be able to force you to come back or have control over where you live. The exception to this is if you live in one of three states where the age of majority is older: Mississippi (21), Alabama(19), and Nebraska (19).

We hope this information helps. If you have more questions or would like to talk more about your situation, please do not hesitate to reach out again. We are available 24/7 by phone at 1-800-786-2929 or through live chat at 1800runaway.org.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Hello,
Right now I'm almost 16, and have been planning for a while to run the night of my 18th birthday, my parents are not good people, I have been thinking out the logistical side and everything i would need to survive, i want to go over what i have gotten done so far and maybe see if there is anything i am missing,

By the time i'm 16, California's minimum wage should be 15$ a hour, and i plan on getting a job as soon as i can, with regular school being around 8 hours a day, i would plan to work 8 hours a day after that, which would give me a good 8 hours of sleep, which is around what i get now anyways, that should give me about 120 a day, 600 for a 5 day week, using 50 weeks of work a year, it would end up around 30,000 (give or take of course) i expect to save at least a quarter to half of this per year, which would leave me at a total of 15,000 - 30,000 at the end of the 2 years, from what i calculated taxes would be around 2,000 dollars per year, so i have taken that into account, and my savings would be somewhere around 13,000 to 28,000, thats if i dont save more then half, which i more then likely will since i dont really buy a whole lot, also this is under the assumption i will be on the absolute minimum wage with no promotions or pay increases.

Now for my expenses, i am basing these prices on the averages of around where i live,
1200$ for rent, 120$ for wifi and phone service, 65$ for electric, 40$ for water, 20$ for gas, 250$ for food, that would be around 1705 per month, give or take of course as some things could cost more or less, with my savings from before my savings should last me around 7-16 months with my savings on my paychecks being less then half,

i plan to find a appartment a month or two before my bithday and talk to the landlords about my situation and my plans, i plan on sneaking most of my stuff out while my parents are either at work or away, and maybe a bit while on weekends telling them i am going to visit my friends, moving only the largest stuff that i couldnt get out at any other point out on the night of my 18th while everyone else is asleep, i would still have to continue school after that, so i would more then likely find a appartment near my school (which there happens to be one extremely close) and i would bike to my school,

I have been planning this for i believe around a year now, maybe a little more, i am wondering if i am missing/forgetting anything?

[ccsmod0]

Once you are 18 you are more than likely considered a legal adult which means that you can move out if you want to and you won’t be considered a runaway. As a legal adult, you have a right to make your own decisions about where you live. We can help you make a plan for how to deal with your situation and help you find resources to land on your feet. Having a plan for where you will live and how you will survive once you move out can be very helpful. Moving can be a huge step, and you don’t have to be alone. Some steps you can take towards independence might be to find employment if you don’t have an income, or to save up money for moving expenses. It can also be helpful to research rents in your area, find a roommate, or make a budget. Another thing you might want to consider is what kinds of things you depend on your parents for currently such as tuition expenses for school, or health insurance, and whether they would continue to provide those things after you leave. There may be social service agencies in your area that can help meet some of these needs, such as Transitional Living Programs, a kind of shelter where young adults can live and get services to help them transition to independent living. We are here to listen and help however we can.

[Guest]

Hi, Im 17 and im from Pennsylvania. I'm planning on moving out once I turn 18 without my parents knowing and my aunt told me i can move in with them till I'm 100% financially stable. My parents don't want me having a job so I'm not sure what to do, I used to have a job 2 years ago but i resigned because it was difficult balancing school and work. I'm a senior right now and after I graduate I'll have to wait 3 month to turn 18... I tried sitting down and telling my mom that I'm planning on moving out at 18 and she told me that if I did, I wasn't allowed to take any of my belongings and if she found out that I did, she'd get the police involved. I'm not sure whats going to happen to the stuff I bought with my money when I was working... Should I just leave my stuff at home and go empty handed? I have a basic plan about what I'm going to do right before my 18th but I'm just nervous about my belongings...

[ccsmod6]

Hello, thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand that it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what is going on. It sounds like you are worried about your personal belongings. We understand that it can be frustrating not being able to work to support yourself. It’s nice that your aunt is willing to allow you to stay with them until you gain stability. We are not legal experts, however, we do have a lot of experience working with runaway youth. It is our understanding that running away is not illegal. Once you turn 18, you will be considered a legal adult in the state of Pennsylvania. It might be a good idea to reach out to your local police and inquire about gathering your personal belongings from your mother’s home if she refuses to give them to you. You may also want to consider having the police to escort you to the home so you can gather your belongings safely.

We are here to support you during this challenging time. We can best help you by telephone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice on the forum to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail, please call or chat us.

We can be reached at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786- 2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).

If you are at risk, in any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.

Be safe,

NRS