Crossville, TN asked in Civil Rights, Education Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee

Q: Could a friend of mine legally leave her parents house @ 17 and go to college if her parents dont approve?

She wants to attend UCF in Florida. She is a senior in high school, and graduates this year in May. She turns 18 in Sept, but school starts before that time. Could she legally leave her house and go to school if her parents want to keep her at home? She really wants to further her education, but her parents won't allow her out of their sight period. Could she tried to get emancipated? What are her options?

1 Lawyer Answer

A: She can't leave without her parents' permission unless she is emancipated. In order to be emancipated, she will need to petition the court and demonstrate that she is capable of supporting herself independently and making adult decisions. She should consult an attorney if that is something that she is interested in pursuing.

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