Can I Be Emancipated Even Through My Parents Refuse to Let Me Move Out

[Guest]

Can I get emancipated even if my parent refuses to let me?
I am 15 years old and I will be 16 in 4 months. I am wanting to move out and I do not have a job currently because my mother won't let me, but I can get emancipated, get a job, and then get an apartment with roommates to help with rent. I have been looking at apartments and I found a 3 bedroom that is completely affordable for 4 of us. I heard there are emancipation fee's and I was wondering I can hold on to those fees until I could pay them?
My reason as to why I am wanting to get emancipated is because of my mom, we never get along and I do not agree with her rules. She can be mentally abusive at times and there have been times that I have gotten in trouble and I left the house with bruises on me after those situations. She says she is allowed to but I am positive she can't. I refused to give her my phone so they were forcing it from me and I got hit multiple times. My mom used to threaten emancipation on me but now that I know what it is I want it and she wouldn't approve.
I need some advice so if I can get help please I would appreciate that so much!

[ccsmod5]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out, we hope to help as best we can. We're sorry you're going through this at home, you don't deserve to be hurt in any way and should be able to feel safe & comfortable in your own house. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed. It may also be a good place to explore options for staying with another family member or someone you trust as far as transferring custody.

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. Our general understanding is some states offer formal emancipation statutes while others do not unfortunately. 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. Usually, 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 or chat 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.

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

[Guest]

Im a minor 16, and I want to move out of my parents house and get emancipated. My parents and I dont get along at all If I called the cops and asked them to tell my parents to let me move in with another family member could they?

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,

You mentioned wanting to know how you can leave home before turning 18. The easiest way to leave home is with your parent'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 to your parents. The second 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.

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

[Guest]

When can I legally leave my house in SC?

[ccsmod7]

Hi there,

Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS).

While we are not experts on the law in South Carolina, 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 to help and support you as much as we are able. 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'm 16 and will be 17 in May. I will have my license in February and want to move in with my boyfriend. He has a house and my parents most likely won't let me move out. I have a good-paying job and get good grades.

[ccsmod15]

Hello, and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. You’re turning 17 next year, and it makes sense that you’re thinking about what you want your future to look like once you can move out of your parents’ home. We are not legal experts, and the laws around emancipation vary from state to state, but it’s likely you would need a lawyer and the ability to prove in court that you are able to support yourself financially in order to get emancipated. The process might take months, and might not be successful.





If you would like to talk about this in more detail, explore your options around emancipation and what else you might want to do while you are still living at home, we are available to talk any time. We are a 24/7, anonymous and confidential hotline, and you can call 1-800-RUNAWAY to speak to us. We can help you think through the decision to leave home, make a plan, and talk to your parents, if you are looking for support in any of those areas. We also offer a conference call service, where one of our liners can help mediate a phone call between you and your parents, in order to make sure that everyone is getting their voice heard respectfully.





Leaving home is a big decision, and you sound like a thoughtful person who knows how to reach out for support and look out for yourself, and that’s a good thing. Good luck!

[Guest]

If your parent tells you to leave or live somewhere else and you do, then calls the cops saying you ranaway what can you do in that situation? Tell the police that the parent told you to leave? Will the cops still bring you back home even if the parent told you to leave and your at a safe family or friends house? And can the family or friends house your at get into trouble for helping you even though the parent told you to leave the household?

[ccsmod16]

Thank you for reaching out to us at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We are happy to help you and provide you with support during this time.

Yes, you can tell the police that your parent was the one who told you to leave. If you have your parents’ written permission to live at a relative’s house or a friend’s house, then the police do not have to bring you back home. However, if your parents change their minds and want you home again, you must go back.

If you would like to talk over your situation, reach out to our live chat through this website or our 24 hour hotline (1-800-RUNAWAY). We work best when we can have a conversation with you. We truly hope to hear from you soon.

Thank you again for reaching out to us. We are here 24/7 and have someone available to talk.



Best,

NRS

[Guest]

I’m at 15 years old and want to be emancipated I’m living with my abusive and controlling grandparents and wanna move in with my mom how do I win in court

[ccsmod7]

Hi there,

We appreciate you contacting us for assistance. You seem determined to gain your independence and be stable as well. You deserve to live in a home where you feel safe and supported.

We are not legal experts, and it is difficult for us to give you a lot of details when it comes to emancipation without knowing what state you are in currently. From any state you can contact 211.org or dial 211 on your phone for local resources (legal, mental health, job placement, etc.).

If there is abuse involved and you feel like reporting it may help your case, you can contact www.childhelp.org or 1-800-422-4433 for help with making an abuse report. We encourage you to reach back out to us for more detailed help if you need it at anytime. We are available 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or through a live chat on our website www.1800runaway.org.

Wishing you good luck,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi I really need help trying to get emancipated. I have known that I need to get out of my toxic household for a few months now. My parents made me quit my job, because I went to a party. But I have been trying to tell them I'm more responsible and can figure stuff on my own. I been kissing their asses everyday and if I talk back to my siblings I'm always getting yelled at. I'm 17, I'm getting mentally abused by my father. My mother doesn't want me to leave, or she'll report me as a runaway. I have an available place to live at( my friends house) and I know how to manage money. I'm trying to get into drivers training this year too. I have talked to my parents that I want to get emancipated but they don't want to talk. I don't know what to do.

[ccsmod10]

We're thankful you reached out to us; it sounds like you have been in an extremely challenging/exhausting situation. You don't deserve to be mentally abused.

Emancipation can be a lengthy process, and the details of it can be different in different states/counties. It often requires the ability to fully support yourself financially (sometimes even requiring that you can pay for your own housing / not live with a friend). It can also be a lengthy process, sometimes taking several months to complete. If you are 17, it is possible you could turn 18 before it would conclude.

If you do want to pursue emancipation, it can be helpful to contact a lawyer who works in youth/family law.

It is possible to run away as well, but poses its own set of challenges. If your parent reports you as a runaway, law enforcement would investigate where you are, and if you were found at your friend's home, their family could possibly get into legal trouble.

We are here to help as best we can with any possible solution-- even if it means finding a way to talk with your parents that is more likely to produce results. You can live chat us at 1800runaway.org or call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY to talk more about your situation.

[Guest]

I am 16 years old, and will be 17 in 10 months. Everyday is a constant battle with my guardians, and it has made my mental health go down at a rapid decline. No matter what I do, it’s never enough. I do everything they ask, and do my chores everyday. They always brag about all the kids i live with, including my siblings, but never me. They talk about how much of a bad kid i am, how i never listen, how snotty i am, and repeatedly call me names. Theres been times when theyve put their hands on me, but when i defended myself, they had me put in a hospital for 4 days. They constantly tell me i need therapy and try and get me committed into mental health facilities. They call the cops on me constanly for the littlest things. They tell me to leave, and when i do, they call the cops on me. They’ve dropped me off at my moms, Tonia Trader’s work and left me there. They’re exact words driving away were “good luck finding somewhere to stay.” No matter what i do, i constantly get belittled, and all the anger they have, gets taken out on me. They won’t let me get a job, take drivers training, hangout with friends, have a phone, or anything. They bought all my siblings and cousins i live with new clothes and school stuff, but bought nothing for me, and even made me watch them hand it to my siblings. I am at a constant battle everyday as they rub everything they do for m siblings in my face, while belittling me. They're always screaming and fighting, but anytime i do anything or tell anyone, they bring up stuff i've done in the past or said in the past, and make me seem like a horrible person. its always been whatever the parent says is right, so nobody will help me no matter what i say, do, or whoever i beg. I need to be emancipated, and very soon, but i dont know how.

[ccsmod3]

Thank you for contacting NRS, it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help and we’re glad that you did. It sounds like you’re struggling with your guardians abusing you and treating you much worse than they treat your siblings. It also seems like your guardians are limiting your independence while doing things with the intent of making you feel bad. Having the police called to your house frequently can also be really stressful, and it makes sense why things feel like a battle for you right now.

An independent living situation sounds like it would be healthier for you, but it can be very difficult to successfully become emancipated before 18. It is a long legal process and you have to show that you are able to take care of yourself financially and have safe stable housing. You could increase your chances of successful emancipation by gaining financial independence from your guardians and finding somewhere to live separately from them. After doing those things, emancipation is still a very long process that can take several months.

You could try talking with your guardians about the possibility of living with someone else until you are emancipated or until you turn 18. With their permission, you could live away from them without legal consequences. If you have a trusted adult in your life, you could try talking to them about your current situation to seek advice/support. You could also try reaching out to friends or family who may be able to help you get away from your guardians and become more independent.

Emancipation isn’t totally impossible, but there’s unfortunately no fast way to do it. NRS can help you locate legal aid resources to guide you through the emancipation process if you decide to pursue that. We hope you are able to take meaningful steps towards your independence and are always here if you have questions or want to talk; you can always send us a message, live chat, or call at (800) 786-2929.

[Guest]

how old do you have to be for emancipation in MA and what are the things you need to do like things i need to prove

[ccsmod16]

Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. As we are not legal experts but here are some information that could be helpful for you.
You would also have to prove to a judge that you make sufficient income to pay for rent, food, medical and that you can take care of yourself without anyone's assistance.
In Massachusetts here is no specific statute detailing how to to file a petition for emancipation. Due to the absence of rules, it is only suggested that a petition be filed with the Probate and Family court of the county where the minor resides. If the petition is allowed, it will be decided by a court. Here's a link to a webpage that could be useful.

(http://www.clcm.org/minors rights.htm) (More particular information is available on the website)

Here are some legal professionals that can provide more in-depth answers to your inquiries. 617-371-1234 for GREATER BOSTON LEGAL SERVICES

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS LEGAL ASSISTANCE TELEPHONE NUMBER: 1-800-649-3718

If you have any more questions feel free to email us or send us another email or reach out to the NRS hotline number : 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) or chat us via this website. We are here to listen and help you 24/7.
Best,

NRS

[Guest]

Im 16 and i want to move out because my mom and dad are strict and they won't let me go anywhere and my mom has slapped my in the face mulpite times and i need to get out of the house , and i scared im going to go to jail for leaving .

[ccsmod15]

Hi,

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.  Our general understanding is some states offer formal emancipation statutes while others do not unfortunately.  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.  Usually, 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.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]

I’m 16 my mom refuses to let me work, I have found places to stay. My mother is mentally stable, I also have PTSD that is treated with a service dog. Anyway I could leave the house.

[ccsmod10]

It sounds like your mom has been very controlling; it makes sense that you want to leave. If you are able to apply to a job and get to and from it yourself, your mom cannot legally stop you. However, she is also not legally obligated to help you get to work if you don't have another means of getting there. If you're trying to achieve emancipation, it unfortunately requires willing participation from both parties (you and your parent) meaning if your parent(s) are unwilling to let you be emancipated, it won't really be an option. You can leave home anyway if you have somewhere to stay. They could potentially report you as a runaway, and police may attempt to return you home, but they might also allow you stay wherever you are if it is deemed safe. Runaway laws can be enforced differently from police department to police department, but we generally do not often see 16 or 17-year-olds forcibly returned home by police to their parents if they are staying somewhere safe and haven't committed any crimes.

[Guest]

if im turning 16 in two months and i want to move out to live with a different family member do i have to have a valid reason to move out. If my adopted parents dont want me to move out can i still move out?

[ccsmod14]

Hi there,

Thank you for contacting the National Runaway Safeline. NRS is here to listen and support you with your concerns. You mentioned wanting to know how you can leave home before turning 18. The easiest way to leave home is with your adopted parents 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 to your adopted parents. The second 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.

We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email or bulletin for assistance. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, please contact our 24/7 crisis support line either by phone or chat.


Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).


Be Safe