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

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?

[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.

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.

[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

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 .

[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

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

[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.

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.

[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.

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.

[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

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

[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