17 and Looking to Escape

[Valhalla]

Hello, I am currently 17 and will turn 18 in March. I currently reside with my parents who have refused to let me move out. I am looking to stay with some friends since my parents keep holding my past mistakes over my head and blaming me for things I could have never controlled, like me getting sexually assaulted a few years ago. They also claim I will turn out like my abusive, drug-addict grandmother. I do not feel emotionally safe in my current living situation. Their words have taken their toll on me.

I do have a job that can help me afford rent for a room in the place I am looking at, I have a good record and very impressive grades, and I already have to provide for my things like, my phone, clothes, and even food sometimes.

I have looked into emancipation, but I am not sure I can afford it since I am sure my parents will contest it and try to push harder.

I just need to know if my parents can force me home from my job or school if I do move out without consent. Any other advicw would be appreciated.

[ccsmod1]

RE: 17 and Looking to Escape

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out to us for help. We are sorry to hear that you are feeling unsafe at home. You do not deserve to be blamed for being sexually assaulted. It is understandable that you are thinking about moving out. That sounds like a very stressful situation, and we are here to listen and help in any way that we can.
18 years old is generally the age that an individual may leave home without permission from their parent or legal guardian. We are not legal experts here but we can speak in general terms. If you are under 18 and leave home without permission, your parents may file a runaway report with the police. What actions the police take once you are filed as a runaway can vary a lot from state to state and even city to city so we cannot predict exactly what would happen in your case. Generally speaking, if you encounter a police officer while reported as a runaway, you will likely be returned home. Another thing to consider is that while running away is not a crime, a legal adult who allows you to stay with them may be putting themselves at risk for being charged with harboring a runaway. A good way to find out the laws in your area is to call your local police and ask what their policies are regarding runaway youth.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you will not be able to sign a lease or any legally binding contracts until you turn 18, so unless you are renting a room from a friend you might find that difficult. We are here to listen and support you in any way that we can. Another resource that may be helpful is the RAINN Hotline (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) if you need someone to talk to about the sexual assault. You can call them any time 24/7 at 1-800-656-4673. You can also call us any time at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We can help you find resources and answer any questions you might have. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon, and wish you the best of luck.

[Valhalla]

Emancipation

What would the process for emancipation be like and where could I start it? Also, how much may it cost? I have looked it up, but all of the things I have read seem to conflict or not explain things clearly.

[ccsmod1]

RE: Emancipation

Hello,

Thanks for writing back. It sounds like you are interested in emancipation. We are not legal experts, but we can help you get a general sense of how emancipation works. Laws vary depending on your location, but in many states a minor can petition the court for emancipation to take responsibility for their own care before they turn 18. Generally speaking, courts are wary about granting emancipation. In most cases, you would have to prove in court that you have an income and can care for yourself financially, and that you are able to live separately from your parents. It also helps to be in good standing at school. The court will also factor in the mental and physical welfare of your parents in order to establish your best interest. Usually your legal guardian would have to agree to this in court. Once you are emancipated, you can legally choose where you live, but you might still find that you cannot sign a lease or build credit until you turn 18. The emancipation process can take several months or up to a year, and may cost money in the form of court fees and other expenses. The best way to learn about emancipation in your state is to contact a lawyer. You may also find information at your county family court. We can look up legal aid resources that may be able to help you with the process. Please do not hesitate to call if you have questions, need legal resources, or need to talk. We can explore your situation, go over all your options, and come up with a plan and resources to deal with your situation over the phone or on live chat. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon, and wish you the best of luck.

[Valhalla]

Residing in Texas

I do live in Texas. I am wondering if the handle anything of this matter differently and how emancipation would work there.

[ccsmod1]

RE: Residing in Texas

Hello again,

Texas does have a formal statute for emancipation. Everything from our above response still applies in Texas. We are not legal experts, so that is as specific as we can be about the process. Here are some legal aid resources that might be able to help you:

LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTH TEXAS
Phone number: 214-744-5277; 888-529-5277
9:00am-12:00pm Monday to Friday

HOUSTON VOLUNTEER LAWYERS PROGRAM
Phone number: 713-228-0735
8:30am-5:30pm Monday to Friday

Please note that we limit the number of responses we can send back and forth on the forum. If you have questions or need to talk, we strongly encourage you to call us directly at 1-800-786-2929 or join us for chat.

Best of luck,

NRS