EMANCIPATION FRUSTRATION

Everybody’s Uncle

I read the question and advise under the title, "Move it out or Tough it out" and I have a question related to that. I'm a minor and I'm not in an "abusive" home, but I really believe that moving out would be the best thing for me.  The way my birthday falls, I will not be 18 until the September after I graduate.  My parents and I do not get along and I've asked if I could move out several times. Each time I've been told no. It's not just the fact that we don't get along, there are some personal things that have happened too, and to say the least it isn't a healthy enviornment for any of us (my parents included). Well in order for me to start college, I need to be moved out before I am 18, obviously.  They repeatedly tell me that I am not to move out until the day I turn 18.  With this effecting my future so much, do you think this would be a good enough reason for emancipation?
 
Frustrated


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Dear Frustrated,

What do you mean by, “it isn’t a healthy environment?” If either you or your parents are in danger, steps have to be taken.

Moving to a college campus is not the same as “moving out.” You give no reason for your perceived difficulty; therefore, I can not offer any advice.

Emancipation occurs legally at different times in different states. Sometimes age alone is the determining factor; sometimes graduation from high school is as important or more important. Most teenagers don’t get along with their parents but that is not a sufficient reason for legal emancipation as I understand it. Emancipation is not something you simply apply for; it is a legal process wherein cause and self-sufficiency are factors in a court’s decision.

Uncle Jim, is not an attorney. Get legal counsel before making any decision.

Everybody’s Uncle