Can a 17 year old live by herself if she is self supporting?

Answer 1

It depends where you live. Countries practicing Roman Dutch law would allow it, and so would British law. If you were self-supporting and seen to be a "competent" person, you would be classified as an "Emancipated Minor". You could go to Court and prove to a Judge or Magistrate that you are competent and self-supporting and IF you convince the Court, you may be awarded Emancipated Minor status. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions though. They usually ask for a report with recommendations from a Court appointed Social Worker.

With Emancipated Minor status you could sign binding consent for the administration of an anaesthetic for surgery, but you could not sign other contracts such as opening an account with a shop or a tenancy agreement. You could marry if you applied to the Courts and the Judge agreed that it was in your best interests.

The reason that there are all sorts of laws about minors living on their own is that it is generally not a good idea. Loneliness can be a real problem and due to that you could fall in with the wrong crowd and get into trouble. Often the wish for independent living is due to tensions at home and it is usually the wisest option to try to resolve those tensions, with professional help if necessary.