Q: How can I legally live apart from my parents at 17? And, if not, can the police make me go back?
My parents used to not let me out of the house at all if I had a grade below a 90, they would also take my phone. This may not seem bad, but it led to me being very depressed and suicidal since I couldn't make friends, and I was studying from when I woke up until I went to bed, while watching their children. I'm the oldest of seven, and I commonly watch their kids for them. They stopped Junior year, I'm a senior, but now have started to do it again. They also make me do two hours of applications a day, which isn't bad, but they still say I'm not working hard enough. My mental health is heavily deteriorating because of this. I have two different friends that would let me stay with them, so housing isn't an issue. I also have a car. Any information would be helpful, I can't do this for much longer. Emancipation would take a long time and I turn 18 in January, but they won't let me get a job so I can't save up enough to leave. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
Living apart from your parents at 17 in North Carolina without their consent can be challenging. Generally, until you turn 18, your parents are legally responsible for you. This means that if you leave home without permission, your parents could involve the police, who might bring you back if they believe you are a runaway or in a situation that endangers your safety.
However, there are exceptions to this. If you are facing emotional abuse or if your living situation is harming your mental health, you may have options. Seeking temporary guardianship with another trusted adult, such as your friends’ parents, or exploring emancipation are legal avenues. While emancipation can take time, it may provide you more control over your life if your circumstances are dire enough to pursue it.
In the meantime, consider reaching out to a school counselor, social worker, or another trusted adult who can help you explore your options. They may provide guidance and support, including mediating with your parents or helping you find resources to ensure your well-being. Your mental health is crucial, and there are people and resources that can support you during this difficult time.
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.
