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Question:

i live at home with my mother and stepfather. i am 16 and will be 17 in july i want to know what i have to do to get out of my house because im being verbaly abused by my stepfather. my mother doesnt defend me most of the time and i have a hard time not getting into an arguement with my stepfather. my real father, to me doesnt really have the abelitly to take care of me so i ask you for help, what do i have to do to get out of this situation?



Answer:

If you cannot solve your family situation through counseling, family talks, or spending time at another family's home, then as a last resort, emancipation might be an option. There are many other requirements and rules involved in the emancipation process.  Contact the Arizona Children's Law Center at 602-258-3434 x 266 for more direct legal advice for your specific situation.

In Arizona, emancipation is process where the minor makes an application to the court and the court, after weighing all relevant factors, determines whether emancipation is in the best interests of the minor.  Emancipation means that the minor has the ability to live completely on his/her own and can accept most responsibilities of an adult.

So, as a part of the emancipation process, the minor must demonstrate to the court the ability to:

 

  • Manage financial, personal and social affairs.
  • Live wholly independent of parent or guardian.
  • Obtain or maintain health care, education, training or employment.

The minor must also provide at least one of the following for “Documentation” to the court:

  • Documentation of the minor’s independent living for at least three consecutive months.
  • Statement explaining why the minor believes the home of the parent or legal guardian is unsafe.
  • A notarized statement of written consent from the parent or guardian in addition to an explanation by the parent or guardian.

Following the submittal of the minor’s application (called “petition”), the Court Process is:

  • The court has up to 90 days to hear the emancipation request.
  • Minor may represent themselves or be represented by an attorney.
  • The court may appoint a lawyer for the minor.
  • At least 2 months before the hearing, the court must notify the minor's parents.
  • The parents have up to 30 days to object to the emancipation.
  • The parents may request mediation or the court may order mediation.

The Arizona Legislature passed the laws allowing emancipation on August 12, 2005.  The laws can be found at A.R.S. §§ 12-2451 through 12-2456.  You can also read a summary of the law and the process on this site under Laws - Emancipation.

See also: Answer to question #22604


Comments
6 thru 10 of 11 comments
On 05/16/07
Andy from CT said:
I've been living with my family all my life. My parents split up when I was 11 and since, I've been at my dad's house monday and tuesday, and my mom's wednesday and thursday. every-other weekend is their own and the schedule is just too confusing and too much of a hassel. Now, i've been grounded for over a mounth because a teacher called and said i was failing, and being grounded means that i hang out with friends, make calls, use the computer for other than research, or anything at the least bit fun. I have a job, but I really wanted to try living on my own....can I?
On 02/05/07
Kendyl from PA said:
I have been living with my mother all my life. Her and my father had spilt when i was young. See my dad is kinda a beer person hes always at the bar and does not have a stable job, he does have a house though that i would love to live at. Me and my mother do NOT get alonge AT ALL!!!! fighting all the time and she takes my money from my checks when I am working hard for it. I want to live with my dad so bad, we get along great!!.. I just dont know what to do to be able to live with someone who talks to me instead of yelling at me. I also have another place to stay, what can i do??
On 07/20/06
beatrice from AZ said:
I live with my grandma and she wants me to move back in with my father who has legal custody over me. My father is verbally abusive and is ocassionaly physically abusive with me. I am 16 but my youth pastor is willing to take me in until I am 18 and help me get into college.
On 06/12/06
Rachel from CA said:
I know how you feel... That happened to me and I called CPS and now I'm with another family!!!! I'm sooo happy!!
On 12/22/05
Chris from AZ said:
You or someone you now could call CPS they can try and help
6 thru 10 of 11 comments



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