If everyone is in agreement, the judge will usually sign the order. If both parents don't agree to the custody modification, the non-custodial parent must file a petition to modify custody in court. In order for the judge to grant the modification, he must find that the modification is in the teen's best interests.
It is important to remember that the laws governing a teen's right to leave home varies from state to state. There are differences regarding:. Before initiating any proceedings, make sure you consult with a licensed attorney who has experience dealing with these issues. The teen years are often filled with friction. However, leaving home is a drastic measure that, except for cases of child abuse, should be undertaken only as a last resort.
If there are problems with teens in your home, consider seeking professional help from a licensed counselor instead who can help try to mend the family relationship.
The age of majority in most states is 18 years old, except for the following: In Alabama and Nebraska, the age of majority is In Mississippi, the age of majority is Life as a Young Teenager Teenage Boys' Gallery of Fashion Styles Teenage Girls' Bedroom Ideas If a teen chooses to move out of his parents' house when he reaches the age of majority, he will be legally responsible for his support and maintenance. Teen Runaways The National Runaway Switchboard reports that 30 percent of teens run away, and they do so for a variety of reasons including: Family dynamics A desire for more freedom Child abuse or neglect Alcohol and drug use either by the teens or their parents Sexual orientation.
Runaway Criteria The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention defines a runaway as a child who meets one of the following criteria: Leaves home without his parent or guardian's permission and stays away overnight Is 14 years of age or younger, away from home with his parent or guardian's permission, but chooses not to return and stays away one night Is 15 years of age or older, away from home with his parent or guardian's permission, but chooses not to return and stays away two nights.
Is It Legal to Run Away? Teens are considered homeless if they run away and are: Not located Live in a state where they cannot be forcibly returned to their parents Not placed in a youth home or detention center. What If the Teen Is Abused? Reasonable Cause In Virginia , for example, a teen is considered a runaway if he leaves home "without reasonable cause. Tell an Adult Of course, a teen who runs away due to abuse must tell a trusted adult the reason he ran away from home to not be forcibly returned to his parents.
Other Ways Teens Can Legally Leave Home There are other recourses teens have besides running away or simply waiting until they get old enough to leave. Legal Emancipation Emancipation is a legal process that gives a teenager the right to legally move out of his parents' home. There are three ways a teen may become legally emancipated from his parents: Marriage - A teen may become legally emancipated when he gets married.
Military Service - Enlistment in any branch of the armed forces will cause a teen to become legally emancipated. Court order - The court may grant an order of emancipation if it determines that emancipation is in the child's best interests. Transfer of Guardianship A teen may be able to successfully transfer legal guardianship from his parents to another adult. Custody Modification In the case of a teen whose parents are divorced, it may be possible for the custody agreement to be modified so that he can live with the non-custodial parent full-time.
State Variations It is important to remember that the laws governing a teen's right to leave home varies from state to state. There are differences regarding: The age of majority Whether and how he can become emancipated How to have a third-party guardian appointed Before initiating any proceedings, make sure you consult with a licensed attorney who has experience dealing with these issues.
If you have a child and prove that you have the ability to provide a suitable living situation, you may be granted emancipation. However, becoming pregnant is not enough to grant you permission to leave the parental household; you must also prove that you are capable of supporting the child. Join the military. In many states, becoming a member of the military automatically grants a person emancipation from their parents, as they are deemed independent. Based in Manchester, U.
Baker is experienced in both television and print journalism, and holds a Bachelor of Arts broadcast journalism from Salford University. By: Natalie Baker. How to Get Out of an Abusive How to Adopt a Grandchild in Georgia.
How to File for Legal Separation in How to Divorce a Mean Husband. Steps Towards Getting Married at the How to File a Bill of Complaint in This could be anyone concerned about you. Some people, like doctors, nurses, teachers, police and child advocates with the Office of the Public Guardian are required by law to tell Child Safety if they suspect you have suffered significant harm, are suffering significant harm or at an unacceptable risk of suffering significant harm.
If Child Safety thinks you need protection they will make an application to the Childrens Court for a child protection order.
This could include Child Safety being given responsibility of deciding where you should live. This could be—with your parents, another relative or a foster parent. You should get legal advice.
Community legal centres give legal advice on a range of topics. Contact them to find out if they can help with your matter. Lawmail is a free email legal advice service for people under Youth Advocacy Centre provides a community legal and social welfare service for young people up to 18 years.
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