Move out at 18 Alabama

[Guest]

I’m 18 and live in Alabama where the majority age is 19. I’ve graduated highschool and want to move out at 18. Can I do this without parents permission or do I have to run away? I want to move out legally so no one can get in trouble.

[ccsmod10]

Hi there,

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to reach out to us here at the National Runaway Safeline. It seems there must be a lot going on at home if you’re thinking about leaving . It’s great that you were able to find out some information about our hotline. Hopefully we can help.

Like we tell a lot of our callers and/or people that email us, the laws on that specific subject of just leaving home and/or running away vary from state to state. Now we aren’t legal experts, but what generally what typically happens if a minor runs away, is that your parents would be able to make a runaway. You can’t be arrested for running away in some cases we’ve heard of police not taking runaway reports on youth who are close to turning the legal age of majority (like you). A good way to find out exactly what the police protocols are in your city, would be to reach out to your local non-emergency police. You can ask them hypothetical questions about running away. We can also connect you with legal aid resources if you call into our safeline, they're lawyers who help youth for free.

If you give us a call on our 24/7 fully confidential hotline, at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) we could help answer some of those questions you have and could potentially help you brainstorm a solution to the issues you are having. We also have an online chat service available every night from 4:30-11:30PM CST that is available through our website (www.1800runaway.org) if you don’t feel like calling in to talk on the phone.

Best, NRS

[Guest]

I’m 18 still in high school and I have a job but I want to move out can I legally do this without consent ?

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,

Thank you so much for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to listen and here to provide support.
It is great that you have a job , it shows that you are independent. We are not legal experts but we do have some information on the laws. In Alabama the legal age to leave home without permission is 19 years old. If you were to leave home without permission your legal guardian could file a runaway report. If the police were to find you they most likely would bring you back home.
We hope that this information answered your question. If you have any more questions or would like to explore more options please give us a call. We are here for you 24/7 to listen and provide support. Best of luck!
NRS