Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

I'm am currently 14 years old and enrolled in a HS as a freshman. I'm currently taking summer school courses which will allow me to skip a grade and become a junior my next school year. So I will be 16 1/2 years old when i graduate due to my birthday being August 16,1996. But i had always planned when i graduated to live with a group of friends in a rented house or complex of some kind. But due to my age i believe that it wouldn't be possible sadly. But i wanted to know if that was true. My friends are 17 and 18 years old so i dont know what i could do. I dont want to stay with my parents at all really but i know thats not a good enough reason. Could i move out with my parents consent. I dont want to be emancipated or anything of the sort. Its not like me and my family have any issues for me to do so. I was wondering if I got a car,a part time/full time job and keep going to collage could i move out. I know some may say I'm to young but i dont want to miss out on this opportunity while my friends are having fun. I know in a way this seems childish but its not in my point of view. I live in the state of Virginia is there any possibility or anything i could do? PS: we would all pay a share of the bills associated with the place we would be living and still go to school


Asked on 6/11/11, 10:45 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Beard Attorney at Law

Your situation is complicated. I can't give you legal advice here, but I can point out one legal matter of which you should be aware, and give you a suggestion as to what your next time might be.

Until you are eighteen, you cannot enter into a legally binding contract in Virginia. No lease; no car purchase; etc. Your parents or some other adult would be asked to assume legal responsibility for your debts.

My advice is, as difficult as it may be, that you sit down with your parents, tell them what you would like to do, and ask if they would work with you to come up with a plan that is agreeable to them.

Good luck.

Read more
Answered on 6/26/11, 3:34 pm


Related Questions & Answers

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