Ardmore, OK asked in Juvenile Law for Oklahoma

Q: Can I move out at 17? My step mom is always mentally abusive and my dad does nothing about it

My step brother is physically abusive towards me also. It has been reported to dhs twice and to cps in Texas a bunch. No one is doing anything about it.

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers

A: When you are 18 you can live where you want. If there is abuse it should be reported. If DHS finds evidence of abuse they will have no problem taking swift action.

Gary Johnston Dean agrees with this answer

A: I'm so sorry to hear you are in this position.

"Legally", your parents could force you back home. Practically, DHS may not take action because you are so close to 18. As a previously emancipated minor, emancipation might be an option for you depending on your circumstances.

Emancipation means you would be granted the rights of a legal adult before you are 18. I'm happy to talk with you about this in more detail if that's helpful and I wish you the best.

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.