Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

I'm turning seventeen in July, and I was wondering if there is anyway I can move out when I turn seventeen legally. There is no way my parents would just let me leave, but I'm sick of this house. I'm trying to be very adult about it and plan ahead of time. I'm going to be a senior in high school and I want to finish it, no doubt about it. How can I do it?


Asked on 3/11/10, 8:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Upon reaching the age of 17 you can seek to be legally emancipated. This is done through a Petition before the Probate Court. However, you need to show that you can suppor yourself and your parents would no longer have any financial obligation to support you through high school or college.

I would strongly suggest you try to work things out with your parents. Seeking emancipation will be gut wrenching experience for a family and it will make an almost irreconcileable split between you and your parents,

Good Luck

Read more
Answered on 3/16/10, 8:52 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Massachusetts