Winchester, TN asked in Juvenile Law for Tennessee

Q: Can a seventeen year old two months away from being eighteen move out of a toxic, abusive home legally?

A seventeen year old girl who is an early honors graduate from high school, is currently a full-time employee at her job and is treated very poorly at home. DCS has been involved multiple times but they dismiss the case due to lack of evidence. She has severe clinical depression and is supposed to be in therapy, but her parents refuse to let her. Can she move out of her home even though she's not quite 18?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
Answered
  • Juvenile Law Lawyer
  • Goodlettsville, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: She would first need to file for emancipation. If she is fully supporting herself and has a place to live, the court might grant emancipation. If not, she is legally required to obey her parents until she is 18.

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