Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia

17/f...Can I leave home legally?

I have always had problems with my mom. She is overbearing and always wants to run my life. I am aware that is the parents place to tell the child what to do; however, in my case, I don't feel like I've done anything wrong. I am white and I have a black boyfriend. Other than that, I am an Honor Roll Student, I am on the varsity basketball and track team: I serve as captain for both. I am also a member of Beta and National Honor Society.

I'm writing because she threatened to "do" something to me. I don't know what she is talking about, but I feel that in order to remain sane I have to leave. She has taken away all my things: my car, which I was paying for, but it was in my father's name, my cell phone, which I also paid for, my privacy, and she made me quit my job.

I just want to get out, but I don't want to be in the position for someone to make me come back home. I have family that has agreed to let me stay with them until I can get my own place.

I just need to know can she do anything to me? And, What can I do?


Asked on 2/23/00, 8:03 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Flinn Law Offices of T. Michael Flinn

Re: 17/f...Can I leave home legally?

You do have the right to leave home at age 17 and you cannot be called a truant or placed in a detention center. However, i advise you notto do this. i advise you to contact a local parenting resource or cooperative parenting program and see if you can work through these problems with your mom.

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Answered on 3/01/00, 8:50 am
Charles W. Field Charles W. Field, Attorney at Law

Re: 17/f...Can I leave home legally?

I would like to know who has caused you to be unsure about this. Of course you can move out. Absent child abuse or some other reason for an agency to get involved, you can and need to do what is best for yourself.

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Answered on 3/01/00, 11:18 pm


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