Can a 17-year-old move out of the state of Texas without parental consent?

Answer 1

Not really, you will be considered a run-away, but there is hope.

Fortunately for you, there is a process by which you can be considered a legal adult. That process, in Texas, is known as Removal of Disabilites of Minority (Texas Family Code, Chapter 31). It is a difficult process, but with the right help or the right attorney, it can be fairly easy.

If you chose not to follow through with this process, you must either get married or enlist in the military (both require parental consent) or simply wait until you reach 18 years of age (age of majority in Texas). If such a petition is granted, a minor has the capacity of an adult, except for specific constitutional and statutory age requirements. Except as regulated by federal law, all educational rights transfer to the minor whose disabilities of minority have been removed.

Running away isn't a good option. Many people, for whatever reason, believe that a 17 year old is considered an adult. NO state considers anybody under the age of 18 as a legal adult. Although you can be charged and prosecuted as an adult, the Family Code defines a child as a minor under the age of 18. Chapter 63 of the Code of Criminal Procedure requires a law enforcement officer, upon locating an unemancipated 17 year old who has been reported as a missing child, to return the child to their entitled possessors or the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. The detention of an unemancipated 17 year old does not violate any constitutional rights. A law enforcement officer may also use force to take possession of a missing child.

If you do decide to run away with your roommate and you are reported as a missing child, they and/or their parents or anybody that helps you run away may be prosecuted for Harboring a Runaway Child. This is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable up to a $4, 000 fine and/or up to one year in prison.

Answer 2

This is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Consult the specific laws for the state and county in which you reside for the rules that apply. In most states, any 18 year old is considered an adult and is capable of deciding when and where they reside. They have the ability to contract for housing. SOME states allow minors to become emancipated under specific circumstances, but this is not just a matter of filling out some paperwork. A minor is the responsibility of their parents until such time as they reach the age of majority or are legally emancipated. The parents are required to provide for the support of their minor children. If the parents give permission, the minor can live in another location. Such permission does not relieve the parents of the responsibility to provide support. If the parents do not give permission, the minor can be considered a runaway. Charges may apply to individuals that aid and abet such runaways, particularly if they are under the age of consent. In some states it is my understanding that this is not enforced for 17 year olds that leave home. If you are subject to abuse, you should contact social services for your area. They will assist you in getting out of the bad environment and into a safe place.

Answer 3

Yes, but that juvenile would be considered a runaway. You're not legally an adult and responsible for yourself until the age of 18.

Answer 4

Graduating from high school does not emancipate a minor, so the answer is no.

Answer 5

If she has permission she can. Otherwise she must be 18.