Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Your only legal option is to Petition for Independence. This means your parents will no longer have their parental rights and you will have to support yourself. You will have to demonstrate to the court you can take care of yourself and that you are mature enough to control your own life. If you are seeking independence so you can marry the 17 year old when he turns 18, the court will not likely grant you independence.

If your parents were separated or divorced you could petition to live with the other parent assuming they were willing to undertake physical custody.

First, let me caution you that seeking Independence is nothing to be undertaken lightly.

Second, how do you expect your 17 year old fiance to support the two of you. What are his goals and ambitions?

My recommendation is that you complete highschool and then go to college or junior college and obtain training for a job whereby you can support yourself. Once you graduate, get a job and go live your life. At age 18 you are a legal adult. your parents are not required to support you and you are not required to live with them.

Your fiance should do the same. Once you have jobs and are truly independent of your parents, then get married and live your life.

If you are that depressed then seek medical help and/or counseling. If you feel you are being physically abused by your father then speak to someone at school.

I hope you feel better. Let me be clear, 16 is way too young to get married. It does not mean you and your fiance should not get married when you are older, but not now. You both need to mature and live in the world as adults before being married. There is a big difference even from a bad home into adulthood.

I wish you happiness and success in life.