Q: Is it legal for a 17 year old to leave home if they tell their parent they are moving? If mental abuse is happening?
I am the 17 year old(female if it makes any difference). My mom kicked me out because she couldn't financially support me. I live with my step mom who knows I have been diagnosed with extreme depression and high levels of anxiety. She manipulates my emotions and turns my father against me by lying to him. I was wondering if it would be legal for me to move in with my friend(she is 18) who is willing to help me get a job and help me get a better life. I just need a simple answer or advice. My mother is the only one with custody over me. Please help.
A: I'm sorry you are going through this. Legally you are not able to leave until you are 18 years old. You may want to speak with your mom and dad about the issue that is going on with the stepmother and see if they can help address it. But until you turn 18 your parents have the final say on where you can live.
1 user 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.
