Is it legal to move out at 16?

ok i live in PA and im currently 16 years of age. For some time now my mom has been driving me CRAZY and honestly i just can’t take it anymore!! I am looking for someone that can tell me a bit about legal issues towards moving out into my girlfriends house at my age, and if emancipation is really the only way!?! Please someone help me i really can’t live with my mom anymore i just want to know what i have to do inorder to leave. Also ever since my mom has started this whole thing my grades have gone down DRASTICALLY and am now currrently failing 2 subjects that i had A’s in. My girlfriend is 15 and and no she doesnt live anywhere across state lines. Please reply!!!

Answer #1

Hi,

The legality of moving out depends on the “age of majority” in your state (the legal age that you are an adult and can move out).

In PA, the age of majority is legally “18 and out of high school.” Therefore, until you are 18 and graduated, you cannot legally move out without permission.

To legally move out at 16, you must become emancipated by the courts. This involves getting a lawyer and going to court to prove that you don’t need your parents help with ANYTHING (including housing and money) and you would like to “divorce” them. After getting this approved by a judge, you can move out legally, except then you can no longer ask your parents for any financial help.

Good luck.

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