Legal Question in Family Law in Washington
Minor Right
My parents have taken away my house key, changed the garage code and the alarm code to keep me out of the house. what rights do I have at 17? Can I move out of my parents house? Do I have to go back?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Minor Right
It is unclear from your fact statement and then your question what the situation is. From your fact statement it would appear that your parents have locked you out, but from your question I would guess that what they have done is required you to deal with them in your coming and going from the house, i.e. they have made it so that you can't get in after you leave without their action. My guess would be they have placed restrictions on when you can be out. If that is what is going on, they have the legal authority to set rules for you and enforce them. Unless you are emancipated (without their support of your petition for emancipation, don't expect to be successful). The short version of the criteria for emancipation are: that you are able to take care of yourself (the court will consider your education, income, emotional development, etc).