Legal Question in Education Law in Michigan

I am going to be 17 years old in December on the 24th. I am going to be leaving my home when I turn 17 and I was wondering if I would be able to en roll myself in school in Florida and take care of the transerfing of information between my school in Michigan to Flordia, I would have a stable home to live in and as of now I have a steady job, So i know I can legally leave my home here in michigan without and legal consequences. Thanks a lot.


Asked on 8/27/09, 1:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Audra Arndt Audra A. Arndt & Associates, PLLC

No, you are not a legal adult anywhere in the U.S. until you are 18 or are legally emancipated, which means you are treated just as if you were 18 years old. If you will be residing with someone in a stable home who is taking on the economic and legal responsibilities associated with you, then that person needs to have legal guardianship over you, and/or you would need to become emancipated. It is about legal status - not having enough money to support yourself.

If you do nothing (legally) and simply leave your parents or current legal guardians, you are considered a runaway, and anyone you are living with can be charged with aiding and abetting a runaway. You should not put someone in that position.

There is a high standard you must meet to have the court grant your petition for emancipation, and you should have an attorney assist you, or you are almost guaranteed having the petition denied.

I would suggest contacting a lawyer to discuss the specific facts of your situation and your legal options.

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Answered on 9/02/09, 4:29 am


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