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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Family Issues > Leaving home
Posted on: 02/22/2006
Question
I want to know if 17 is the legal age to leave home because of issues in home. What will happen if I leave home? Is there anything parents can do about it?
Answer
In general, you cannot leave home without your parents permission until you are 18 and are legally an adult. Until that time your parents could have you brought back home by the police. As with any rule there are exceptions. If you are married or in the military, you are considered emancipated and able to live on your own. You can also become emancipated by going to court and establishing that you are living on your own and supporting yourself from legal means: that you are managing your own financial affairs, are in school, and that is in your best interest to be emancipated. None of this happens quickly, and if there are things going on at home that make you want to leave, that deserves immediate attention. Talking with someone who understands family issues might help you sort things out. If you are comfortable doing so, you could tell your parents that you would like to speak with a counselor, or you could start by talking to a counselor at school.