If I’m 17, can I move out without my parent’s consent?
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If I’m 17, can I move out without my parent’s consent?
Asked on May 31, 2015 under Estate Planning, Texas
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
You can legally move out without your parents’ permission only when you reach the "age of majority", which is18 years old. Until then, your parents are legally responsible for you and can have the police bring you back if you leave without their consent. If, however, you leave their home but they know that you are with another responsible adult and where and they allow you to stay, they are giving their permission for you to be there.If, while you were there, they do not provide reasonable support and/or maintain regular contact, their actions may constitute abandonment.
Otherwise, you canappear before a judge and try to become emancipated since you are 17 years old. If granted, this means that the court will legally separate you from your parents and you would assume most of the responsibilities of an adult. However, before being granted emancipation, you would have to demonstrate that you can live independently (i.e. that you can support yourself and have an acceptable place to live, etc.).
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