Camden, NJ asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Education Law for New Jersey

Q: Do I have to wait until I graduate highschool to move with my grandmom.

I am 18. And my mom keeps saying I can’t leave because I am in highschool and I don’t graduate until next year. She claims it’s a new law. She also stated if I were to call the cops and have a cop escort me out that they wouldn’t be able to because she has legal rights until I finish school.

1 Lawyer Answer

A: Provided you have no disability that prevents you from understanding your legal rights, you can move out at 18 (but you cannot consume any alcohol until you're 21). But you and your mom should seek family counseling first. Also talk to your grandmother before leaving home. She may be able to help resolve whatever issues you're having with your mom. Leaving home is a giant step involving problems you never anticipated.

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