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Can my 16-year-old friend move in with me legally?

My friend has been in her home for a while now, yes she is 16 years old. But there is more to it. She is old enough to know right from wrong, and she doesnt get into any trouble when she is around me. I am 18 years old. I want her to move down here. She goes to school, takes care of her brother and sister none stop, but she wants to get out of her mom’s house, and get a job and move in with me. Is there a law or a rule that she can do it? I heard that you can “divorce” your parents. We live in Iowa, is it possible here? All she wants to do is move in with me, and start a new life!

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Answer #1

IOWA LAW:

Age Emancipation petition allowed: under age 18 Age of Majority: 18 Iowa Code § 97B.34A; Iowa Code § 225C.46

She can file for ‘emancipation’ (if qualified) which must be approved by the Court.

CAUTION: 16 is a minor, a child, at 20 you and she will be totally different people.

Answer #2

your friend may be going through some things right now at home by taking care of her siblings, her mother may be a single parent and need that little extra help from her ,but you really dont know whats going on in that household, your friend may just be looking for a way out of the situation shes in now because someone is offering her a little freedom at the age of 16. Its great that she is doing well in school and taking care of herself, but she is just 16 and i dont think it would be wise that you take her into your home, no matter how big or small your friend problem is at home and it doesnt sound very big im sure her mother yould be very if she wasnt around anymore. think about it one day you may be a parent.

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