Klamath Falls, OR asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Oregon

Q: I am 17 and wont turn 18 until march 31st my dad kicked me out is there any way I can leave state

My dad kicked me out on April 20th I have been supporting myself I get food stamps and will be receiving my moms death benefits I really wanna go to California for a couple days with my bestfriend and her grandpa am I allowed to do that?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Joanne Reisman
Joanne Reisman
Answered
  • Portland, OR
  • Licensed in Oregon

A: I am going to make an educated guess that your dad kicked you out over some type of dispute concerning your behavior and your dad's house rules. My other educated guess is you moved in with your best friend and although you may have a job that earns you some income you aren't truly supporting yourself which would means being able to rent a place to live entirely on your own, pay for all your food and utilities, buy a car, pay for car insurance, pay for medical insurance, etc. Your situation is typical for teenagers who are transitioning to adulthood and don't quite get along with their parents.

Legally you are still a minor and your dad is still legally responsible for you. If you are living with your best friend and your dad isn't calling the police to bring you back, it is because your dad is consenting to this by not doing anything. As for you going to California there is no law that would stop you, however your friend's grandfather could be charged with custodial interference or kidnapping if your friend's grandfather takes you out of State without your father's permission. You are a minor, so if you just go to California and no one else is involved in you taking the trip there, then no one can be charged with anything although you could be picked up as a minor with parental supervision and shipped back to your father or put in a juvenile detention center until they figure out what to do with you. No one can tell you if these types of problems will or won't happen. But the better course of action is to discuss your travel plans with your dad and get his permission.

Even better, make peace with your dad. Unless there is some problem worse then what I guessed above, like your dad is physically abusing you or he has a substance abuse problem, try to go back home and make things work until you turn 18. Learning how to deal with the problems of your immediate family is as important as dealing with the problems you will face as an adult going forward.

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