Hi! I am 17 years old, and my family life isn't exactly the greatest thing. I am constantly coming home to drunk parents who seem to not care about me at all, and they take their aggression out on me. I would like to emancipate myself, but I'm afraid of what might happen. How do you go about emancipating yourself, and where can I turn if I need some guidance along the way? Thank you... Jordan

Hello, of course laws vary, are do you live in Mexico, Canada, the US, Iraq ? Everyplace has different laws and in the US each state has various laws.

Some things in general but not always true in every place.

1. you have to have a job and be able to afford to pay rent, bills and the such

2. if of school age you have to arrange for your educationv

3. You will need an attorney so you will have to have money to pay them.

4. You will normally need to prove to the court a real need.

Also at 17 there are some places that at 17 they can't stop you from moving out at that age, I know whem my one son was 17 he moved out and I tried to stop him and found it was legal in the state we lived in at the time.

And how close to 18 are you ( which is the age you can legally move out almost anywhere) and legal age in the US to sign a contract. Since court action can take months, often at 17 by the time you could actually get to court and have it heard and decided, there is no time or only a few months left with may not be worth the cost of the court action.

Also are there family or close friends your parents may let you move in with. Our family in the past took in several young people for a while because of problems at their home. ( with parent permission)

And if things are getting tough, talk to your school counselor, a religious person of your faith, or a adult you feel OK talking to.

I live in South Dakota. I just recently turned 17. I want so badly to move in with my older brother who is 23. It just seems like each fight my parents and I have it gets worse and worse. I want to leave, but I know that there is no way my parents would let me leave. They are too controlling and demanding. After our last fight, on Christmas day I might add, I went and stayed with my brother for 4 days, and they didn't call once to find out where I was. I want out, and I need out before something worse happens. How do you suggest I ask, or go about getting out.

How about talking to a school counselor? They can likely give you advice on your particular situation, and be backup in case you have the need to call DHS.

Yes and have your older brother talk to them, at times you may be surprised

You'll need to demonstrate to the court that you have a place to live and a means of support, without jeopardizing your schooling. An attorney can steer you in the right direction.