Can a 18 year move out of state

[Guest]

Hi I'm I live In utah and my girlfriend lives in California but I'm 18 and my parents still have custody over me I want to know if at some point in my life I can leave the state before getting caught before I leave the state and if I will be put into a system that goes across the nation and if police can make go back home or if theres a penalty for that or something

[ccsmod10]

Thank you for reaching out to us and telling us your story we hope to be able to help you. In Utah you are considered and adult once you reach the age of 18 and that means you can legally leave without your parents consent. If you have extended guardianship then your parents could report you as a runaway and the police could get involved and bring you back home. The people you are staying with could potentially get charged with harboring a runaway if your parents choose to press charges. Some police departments don’t accept runaway reports for 18 year olds, but the policies may vary by each department. You could consider calling your local nonemergency police department to ask about their policies. We also have legal aid resources here if you have specific questions about the laws in your state.

One service we can offer is to conference call with your parents. This way you could have a conversation with your parents but you would not be alone. For example, it may be hard for you to explain to your parents that you would like to have more independence and would like to move out one day. Sometimes those conversations go better in a conference call because we can advocate for you. If you want to reach us, you can chat with us anytime at 1800runaway.org or call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We’re here 24/7, and we are ready to listen and help however we can.

Wish you the best of luck

-NRS