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Question: I live at home but don't want to. I have a job, and I support myself in every way. I buy my own food, clothes, etc. What are my parents legal responsibilities for me, and can I leave home if they do not follow them?

Answer: If you are a minor (under 18 years old in Arizona) your parents have the right and duty to control you and the duty to support you. You say that you support yourself in every way. Does this include paying rent to your parents, rent equivalent to what you would pay for a place of your own somewhere else? Do you pay for your own transportation? Insurance? Pay your own taxes? Unless you do these all these things, you probably are not truly able to support yourself.

In certain circumstances, a minor who can fully support him or herself will become an emancipated minor. However, this means the minor has the full responsibility of all of his or her needs. Merely contributing to your support does not mean that you can become emancipated.

Your parents have a duty to protect you and provide for you. Your parents do not have a duty to allow you to do what you want.

Your parents will lose their right and duty to control you if they abuse it. This usually involves some sort of criminal behavior, or behavior that puts you in danger. Not feeding, clothing, or houseing you would be examples of this behavior. Your contribution towards food, housing or clothing does not get you out of obeying them.

Unless you are fully emancipated, or your parents legally lose their right to parental authority, you cannot leave home without their permission.
Comments
31 thru 35 of 39 comments
On 11/05/02
josie from PA said:
my problem is just the opposite i have a young son who is 15 now. he refusses to follow any rules even going to school is asking to much of him. i would love to have him go out on his own. but he is to young . he refusses to act in any family gatherings. he just wants to be with his freinds and come and go as he pleases but as a parent who loves him i cant allow him to do this so its a constant struggle..
On 10/07/02
Michelle from CA said:
its the same way at my house i fear for my life and my sister's. my dad and my step mom don't want either of us in the house. i only wish that i could get emancipated sooner than later.
On 09/20/02
brittany from FL said:
im 16 years old and i am tring to leave home. its hard for me, alot of family problems,the death of my brother and my family is falling apart. i feel im over 20 but im really 16. i graduated and got my deploma and im ready to leave home, i no it will be hard but it will be better to make a new start then to keep living with the past.
On 08/08/02
Jeramie from VA said:
I am going through just about the same thing. I pay for my insurance, i pay for food, clothing,and other needs. the only thing diffrent is I have a place i can stay and a new job when i move if i get emancipated. the big thing to the hole thing is there are drugs involed by my mother and step father. With what i have here can i get emancipated or do i need more
On 07/11/02
Tim from OR said:
My problem is a little differnt, I have been helping a friend of the faimly do Real Estate for two years now. I have became very good at makeing sales and have taken the required collage classes for the line of work, and i wanted to be a Real Estate Agent but before i can do that i need to be able to sign leagle documents.
31 thru 35 of 39 comments


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