In Michigan what are the legal rights and responsibilities of the parents of a 17-year-old who moves out?

Answer 1

According to the officers I spoke with two years ago when my 17-yo moved out, no. The parent is not legally or financially responsible for the child, except...it is my understanding that if the child is still covered by your insurance, you are still responsible for whatever medical bills are incurred that are not covered by the insurance until the child is no longer covered or is taken off the policy. Also, if there is an accident or the child is hurt, the parent is not automatically notified, either, because in the eyes of the state, the child is an "adult." BUT, if your child has a driver's permit, you will need to revoke it, because you CAN be held liable for any accident your child causes while only being in possession of a permit. But if that child doesn't have a permit and drives anyway, and gets in an accident or anything, that child is responsible, not you, only so long as you revoke the permit and take him off your auto insurance.

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

Leaving Home

The parents of an non-emancipated minor have the custody and control of such minor. This means that the parents can legally decide where the minor lives until the minor reaches the age of majority (usually 18) or otherwise becomes emancipated.

If a minor moves away from the home of his or her parents or legal guardians without their permission, that minor can be picked up by authorities as a runaway. Depending upon the state, there may be an evaluation stage in which the situation is reviewed to insure that the individual is not endangered by being returned to the home. Some states have recognized that minors that are 16 or 17 are often considered questionable as to their ability to leave home. Authorities may not want to deal with minors in this age group and some states are establishing legislation enforcing the age of majority and eliminating any questions in the eyes of the law enforcement community.

Check with your local laws for more specifics. If you are in an unsafe environment, law enforcement personnel can put you in contact with the appropriate agencies to obtain help.