Can You Move Out at 17?
At the age of 17 freedom can seem so close, yet so far. You may be living in home conditions that are unsafe, distressing, or just annoying, and it may seem difficult to wait an extra year to move out. So, can you move out at 17?
Well, not really. In order to move out of home at 17 you would need to go through a legal process called emancipation. This means that you become legally independent and do not need a parent or a guardian to look after you.
Can You Move Out At 17? Emancipation
Emancipation is a legal process where you ask the courts to grant you independence from parents or legal guardians. You may have heard about emancipation in the news; a number of teenage celebrities often seek emancipation from parents who may control their contracts or finances. In order to gain emancipation, you will need to prove a number of things to the court:
- That you meet the state’s age requirements for emancipation
- That you are mature and capable to look after yourself and deal with any issues, you may face
- That you have the capability to support yourself financially (the court will consider jobs and benefits, but the amount must be enough for rent, food, and living expenses)
In order to seek emancipation, you need to file a petition with the court. Your legal guardians or parents will have a chance to respond, and a court date will be set. The judge will ask you a number of questions to determine if emancipation is in your best interests. In order to seek emancipation, you do not need to be in an abusive or unsafe living environment, though emancipation is often used to help teenagers in those positions. Even if you are in abusive or unsafe environments, the court may not grant emancipation if you are unable to financially support yourself. They may help you to take other action, like place you with other family members until you turn 18. Can you move out at 17? Yes, if you seek emancipation.
Can You Move Out at 17 Without Going To Court?
There are some circumstances that trigger automatic emancipation. Those are joining the military or getting married. Depending on your state, these may not be available to you at the age of 17 without the consent of your legal guardian.