View Full Version : Am 17 I have a child
aisha_falero
Apr 19, 2011, 04:41 PM
I want to live by myself I don't want to depend on my parents am 17 years old and I have a child 6 mnth and I don't want to not lived anymore with them I want to lived by myself with my son and depend on myself am a adult yes or no can I moved by myself to springfield and to get my own thing over there?
ScottGem
Apr 19, 2011, 04:51 PM
Where is Springfield (state, province country)?
Can you support yourself? Where is the child's father? Is he paying support?
LeonaDy
Apr 19, 2011, 05:38 PM
Before deciding to move on your own, you really should think it through. Make a serious budget based on your income, savings, cost of living in springfield and expenses once you're over there. Keep in mind that the average cost of raising a baby in about 9300$ a year, although that is for a happy healthy baby with a few toys, disposable diapers, average price foods, etc. It is possible to pay a little less if you are very careful. For example, use cotton diapers (which you have to clean). Disposable diapers will cost between $1,600 and $2,300 by the time your baby is potty-trained. Get accessories (clothes, toys, crib, etc) at a charity organization. It is important in your situation that you are aware of all the resources that are available to you (it might actually be a good criteria for choosing where you want to live).
That's still a lot for a 17 year old to do. Just so you know, I am not some "mommy" reprimanding you, I am 17 myself. But I have difficulty imagining you living happy and healthy if you try to do this. I'm guessing at 17 and taking care of a baby you won't be getting a career just yet and that you won't be in school either. Let's say you would make 8$/hour and you work 50 hours a week. You would make 19 200$ a year but your baby expenses would leave you about 10 000$ as a budget. I don't know how much rent costs in Springfield but I'd say most cheap apartments are 400$/month, so there goes another 4 800$. Your budget is now down to approximately 5000$. You still have to feed yourself, which is between $150-300 a month for an adult. If you eat as little as possible to fit into your budget, there goes another 1 800$. If you're lucky you can walk to your work place, otherwise you need a bus pass (but the price varies a lot). You can't afford to follow the latest fashion but you still have to dress yourself. All sorts of things happen and you have to spill more money out. Conclusion : it's a very tight budget.
Of course, I know nothing of your life and situation. This was just a general overview of what might happen. You should really make your own budget, calculated closely item per item with an up to date price and all. I know I sound like an accountant. I realize money isn't everything but you can't expect to live happily if you work so much, then take care of a crying baby (as much as you love him or her you will be frustrated) and dealing with the stress of the whole situation. You will find yourself alone in a city without your parents or your friends but you will be so preoccupied that you won't have the time to enjoy that freedom. And freedom gets lonely at times. So, as you've noticed, I'm not very fond of the idea. I suggest staying with your parents for the time being, at least until your baby is past the most trying (and expensive) age. Learn to be a sensible mom first and practice taking care of yourself like if you were alone (laundry, food, work, etc). It's what's best for your baby and for yourself (well, according to me).
Good luck. :)
ScottGem
Apr 19, 2011, 05:46 PM
Before deciding to move on your own, you really should think it through.
First, let me welcome you to this site. While your post contained excellent advice, this question was asked in the Family Law forum. This means any response has to deal with the legal issue raised. Since the OP is under 18 she may not be able to legally leave her parents home. That question needed to be dealt with and you didn't.
This is just for future reference. In the future, please make sure your responses conform to the standards for answering questions in the Law and other technical forums.
Fr_Chuck
Apr 19, 2011, 07:12 PM
I will agree with everyone, without knowing where you are at, we can not tell you if you can move out legally or not.
Next without more info we don't know if you can afford to or not
joypulv
Apr 20, 2011, 05:25 AM
Please use the Answer button to say what state you live in, so people here can look up the law regarding leaving home if under 18.
Assuming you haven't a dime, be able to afford to will depend on what Welfare in your state says and what housing is available, how long the waiting list is, and whether they will let you live in whichever Springfield you are talking about. The country has been in a recession. Less tax money available from those who work and the companies they work for, to pay for people depending on the government. And many non luxury apartment rates are actually going up and vacancies going down as more and more people lose their homes and have to rent. Some formerly working tax paying homeowners have ended up on Welfare too. You may have a tough time just getting an apartment.
(To the young LeonaDy: PLEASE continue on this site. I think you will be valuable.)