Can a 17-Year-Old Legally Move Out?

Wondering whether it’s okay for a 17-year-old to move out? It’s not only teens who are curious about this; parents and guardians often wonder too, especially when it comes to their legal responsibilities.

Many American teens might think about leaving home at this age, but it’s important to know what the law says about this big decision.

Teenagers who leave home typically don't think about legalities or getting permission from their parents—at least not at first.

But leaving home without a plan and parental consent can lead to danger and even legal problems. If a teen is looking for a legal way to leave home, they might consider emancipation.
 

The Difference Between Running Away and Emancipation

Legally, parents have control over their children and are responsible for them. This means you can't just decide to live with a friend or another family member without your parents saying it's okay. To make your own choices about where to live, you would need to be legally separated from your parents through a process called emancipation.

Emancipation is similar to a divorce but for a young person and their parents. It means that after a court decides you can be emancipated, you no longer need your parents’ permission for anything. The court will look at what's best for you and other details when deciding if you should be emancipated.

If you leave home without your parents' okay, the law doesn’t change for you. Even if you have a job and can support yourself, if you’re a runaway, the police can still bring you back home. Plus, if you leave school without permission, you and your legal guardians might get in trouble, like having to pay fines or do community service.
 

What’s Needed for Emancipation

Each state has its own rules for emancipation. In general, these are the things you’ll need:
 

• Age: You have to be old enough, usually at least 16, but sometimes as young as 14.
• Maturity: The court has to believe you're mature enough to live independently.
• Money: You should be able to prove you can handle your finances and support yourself.
• Notice: Your parents or guardians must be told about your wish to be emancipated and can even disagree with it.
• Automatic cases: Sometimes, if you get married or join the military, you’re automatically considered emancipated.

 

How Emancipation Changes Things

Once you're emancipated, you can make legal decisions, like signing contracts and choosing your healthcare. But you still can’t do everything adults can, like vote or drink alcohol. Depending on where you live, you might not even be able to get married.
 

Situations Involving Abuse

If you’re a teen in an abusive situation at home, finding a safe place is the most important step. Your state’s child protective services might step in if they think you’re being mistreated.

They’ll figure out if your parents should keep custody. If there's abuse, the state might place you in foster care or with a relative while figuring things out. Emancipation might be an option for older teens, but it's only worth considering after securing a safe environment.

If you’ve left home because of abuse and child protective services isn't involved, you should reach out to someone you trust, like a teacher or school counselor.

Alternatively, you can contact the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-RUNAWAY for help and to discuss your situation confidentially.
 

What About Informal Arrangements?

Sometimes, teens might live with someone else informally, like a grandparent, while their parents are dealing with issues. But this doesn’t mean that you're emancipated or that the person you're living with has legal custody of you. Your parents are still legally responsible for you, no matter where you live.
 

Can Parents Make You Leave?

Legally, parents are responsible for their child's needs—if a teen is told to move out, their parents are still required to look after them financially until a court order says otherwise.

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