Q: Can a 15yr old legally move out?
They're these 15yr old twins that will turn 16 in July can they legally move out of their house
A:
First, note that the National Runaway Safeline is a resource for runaway teens and homeless youth who are in need of help. Any person who is 15 or 16 and seeking to live on their own is a target for criminal activity, and the danger they are in should be taken very seriously. For information, please call 1-800-RUNAWAY or visit 1800RUNAWAY.org or otherwise seek help from organizations that deal with such issues.
With that said, here is the answer to the question. No unless a court approves and give the children what is legally called "emancipation."
"Tennessee Age of a minor: Any person under 18 years of age.
Runaway status: This is defined in Tennessee as any child who is away from his/her home, residence, or any other residential placement of the child’s guardians without their consent. A runaway may also be referred to as an unruly child.
Is running away a status offense? No. It is not a status offense in Tennessee. A runaway youth may be declared an unruly child by the juvenile court. An unruly child may be subject to probation, a fine, or community service.
Can a youth file for emancipation? Yes. Tennessee has a unique legal statute on emancipation. The minor may have a next friend petition for the removal of the disabilities of minority in the chancery court in the county the minor resides. The petition must state, among other things, the reason on which the removal of the disability is sought. If a decree is rendered removing the disability of a minor, the decree will be rendered for a specific purpose and the purpose will be stated in the decree. The decree may be for the partial removal of the disability to enable the minor to do some particular act or for the general removal of the disability. If general emancipation is granted, the minor will have all of the rights of an 18 year old, including the right to contract, sue and be sued, and buy and sell property."
https://www.1800runaway.org/2015/08/move-out-at-17-runaway-laws-southern-states/
Emancipation is by judicial petition, which the court then decides, and no minimum age is specified (§29-31-101 et seq.)
2 users found this answer helpful
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
