Can You Move Out at 16? Here's What You Need to Know

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Find out how to get emancipated and live independently
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Moving out of your family’s house before you turn 18 is a big decision. It may feel overwhelming, but there are several ways to move out at 16, if that’s the best option for you. Before taking any drastic action, take a moment to weigh your options so that you can move out in a safe and legal way. In this article, we’ll teach you all the ways you can move out at 16, including how to get emancipated, how to move out without emancipation, and how to live independently once you move out.

Can you move out at 16?

You can move out at 16 if you get emancipated (through the court, or sometimes by joining the military or getting married) or if your parents consent to you living on your own or with a friend or relative. Know how to do things like cooking and laundry, have a job, and budget your money to prove you can live alone.

Section 1 of 3:

Emancipating Yourself

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  1. If you want to move out and be completely independent of your parents or guardians, consider legal emancipation . While most places declare 18 to be the age of majority, or legal independence, there are some places that offer exceptions for emancipation without an intense legal process. Research the age of majority for your area, whether your state or country allows emancipation, and how old you must be to file for emancipation. [1]
    • Emancipation is a legal process that allows a minor to get a court order to be legally independent. It ends some or all of the responsibilities and rights of the parents, like financial support and making decisions for the child. Emancipation can be partial or complete.
    • In some places, being married at 16 will automatically emancipate you.
    • In other places, enlisting in the military before turning 18 may grant you emancipation.
    • The age at which you can be emancipated varies depending on where you live. In most U.S. states, that age is 16, though for some it can be as young as 14.
    • You will need to have your parent or guardian agree to your emancipation decision, as they will likely have to sign consent forms later on.
  2. In order to be emancipated and move out at 16, you must be able to prove to the court that you have a source of income and can support yourself financially. This typically means having a job that pays well enough to cover things like rent, groceries, and bills. Keep in mind that minors fall under specific child labor laws, which prevent teens from working long hours, so it may be helpful to have side gigs, like babysitting, for additional income. [2]
    • If you don’t already have one, start looking for a job and create a budget to show that you’re capable of handling your money responsibly. Remember to set aside an emergency fund, as well.
    • If possible, start building your credit by applying for a credit card, as well. This will help you when it’s time to apply for an apartment or purchase a vehicle. Learn the difference between credit and debit and how to use each responsibly.
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  3. As you plan the legal emancipation process, have an idea of where you’re planning to stay. Depending on where you live, there may be different requirements on how a teenager can enter a housing contract, so make sure to do your research before filing for emancipation. [3]
    • In many cases, minors possess no contractual capacity, which means they can void most contracts. While there are some exceptions, you may be able to void your rental contract if you find another place to live. These contracts are usually legally binding, though, as things like food and shelter are a necessity. Research the laws in your area before making any final decisions.
    • Research apartments in your area that allow minors to sign leases. If possible, ask a trusted adult to co-sign so the landlord will be more likely to accept your application.
    • In general, your monthly rent should be no more than 30% of your monthly income, so look for apartments that are within your budget.
    • If renting your own apartment isn’t possible, see if anyone you know would allow you to rent a room in their house. Many people sublet their apartments, too, and these listings can often be found on websites like Craigslist. Just make sure these listings are legit, and don’t put yourself in any potentially dangerous situations.
  4. Depending on where you live, you may have to stay in school even after emancipation. Make sure that your new housing situation is situated near a school, so that you don’t fall behind on your education. [4]
    • If you take the bus to school, make sure to inform them of your new address.
    • If you live in an area with multiple school districts, make sure you know which one your new residence falls under. If you rely on public transportation to get to school, you may have to transfer to the new district.
  5. When you go through the emancipation process, there’s a variety of forms that you will need to sign. Many of these forms will have to be signed by your parent or guardian. Although these forms may differ by location, you should be able to find all of the documents you’ll need online. Visit your local courthouse and/or check their website to find all the forms you need. [5]
    • Depending on where you live, some of these documents may need to be signed by a legal third party (i.e. a notary).
    • Review all the paperwork carefully before signing. Make sure you know what emancipation entails before rushing into the process.
  6. Once you have double-checked that you meet all of your country’s (or state’s) requirements for legal emancipation, submit your emancipation request at your local court. You will need to prove your financial and housing status during this process. Once the court has received your petition, serve a copy of your petition to your parents, and the judge will schedule a hearing for your case. [6]
    • Use a bank statement to prove your financial status.
    • The court proceedings for emancipation can take up to half a year.
    • The exact process may vary from court to court. The court should tell you everything you need to know about the hearing, but if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask them.
    • Be aware that some states charge a filing fee between $150-200.
    • The court may ask for evidence of why you want to be emancipated when you first submit your petition, or they may only require it at the hearing. Either way, gather all your evidence ahead of time and be prepared to present it.
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Section 2 of 3:

Moving Without Being Emancipated

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  1. If you want to move out but do not want to legally emancipate yourself, discuss your situation with your parents or guardians. Depending on the circumstances, your family may support your desire to move out and consent to you living with someone else. It may also help for you to have an idea where you would plan on staying before seriously discussing the prospect of moving out. [7]
    • If possible, consider living or moving in with someone else. Extended isolation can negatively contribute to your physical and emotional health. [8]
    • Clinical psychologist Peggy Rios says if you want to prepare to move out, make sure you know how to do things that are necessary to living on your own, like “grocery shopping, doing laundry, and paying rent.” She adds that it’s best to start doing these things “several months before you move out” so you have time to figure out any questions you may have.
  2. If you have any close relatives, they may be willing to help you out, even if it’s temporary. Choose a relative who is mature and responsible so your parents will be more likely to agree to you living with them. Confirm this agreement with both your parents and the relative you’ll be moving in with. [9]
    • For example, your parents may be more willing to let you live with your aunt than your 20-year-old cousin.
    • In most places, it’s illegal for minors to stay with a family member without the permission of their parents or guardians.
  3. If you’re unable to live with a relative, talk to a trusted friend and see if you can live with them instead. Offer to pay your friend rent or do work around their home in exchange for living with them. Even if they only let you stay for a few weeks or months, it could still be a nice break away from home. [10]
    • If you are moving in with a friend’s family, make sure that everyone in your friend’s household is okay with the change.
  4. As frustrating as your current living situation may seem, running away is not a good solution. You definitely don’t want to enter any new living situation unprepared. Teens who run away from home are more likely to develop drug addictions or turn to criminal activity. [11]
    • If you are thinking about running away, consider reaching out to a hotline or trusted individual to discuss your situation. [12]
    • In most cases, it isn’t illegal to run away, but depending on where you live, your parents may file a runaway report which would allow legal authorities to return you to their care if they find you. Runaway teens can also be held in a detention center or placed on probation.
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Section 3 of 3:

Living Independently

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  1. If you have made the decision to live independently, look at the apartment rental options nearest to you. While some places allow minors to rent apartments, it is important for you to understand the legal and financial renting laws for your location. [13]
    • Depending on your situation, consider co-signing a lease with your parent or guardian (or another trusted adult) in case you run into future financial issues.
  2. Websites like Housing Anywhere can connect you with rental options in hundreds of different cities. When searching for an apartment, have an idea of when you plan on moving in, as well as how long you plan on staying in the apartment. [14]
    • If you’re having difficulty finding an apartment but still want to live on your own, consider looking into nearby shelters and outreach groups.
    • Keep in mind that there are often hidden costs when it comes to renting an apartment. Often, tenants are required to pay first and last month’s rent upfront, as well as an application fee.
  3. Due to child labor restrictions, you probably won’t be able to work full-time until you reach your country’s age of majority. Check online for part-time job opportunities near your location. On many sites, you’ll have to specify that you’re a teenager. [15]
  4. Depending on your new living situation, you may have some new bills to take care of each month, like electricity, water, rent, and food. Consider creating a budget that helps you set aside money for your necessities so you're able to support yourself. [16]
    • Use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to make a spreadsheet of your budget. This will make it easier to divide up your rent, food, and other costs by month.
    • Once you have set aside money for the essentials, begin saving up for more fun items (i.e, shopping, fast food, etc.).
  5. While moving out can be a great sign of independence, it’s important that you stay connected with other people. If you don’t have friends or family to contact in times of stress, consider branching out and participating in group activities, like a sport or club. [17]
    • Many public places (i.e, churches, community centers) have resources that will help you stay connected socially. [18]
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  • Question
    Can I legally live with a friend at 16?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    In order to live with a friend at 16, you will need to be legally emancipated or get your parents’ consent. If your friend is older than you and you go to live with them without consent or legal emancipation, your friend could get into a lot of trouble. For example, they might be charged with kidnapping or attempting to corrupt a minor.
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    Can I move out at 16 without my parents’ permission?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    It depends on where you live. In many areas, the age of majority is 16, which means you can move out on your own at that point. However, if the age of majority is over 16 where you live, you will likely need to be legally emancipated or get your parents’ permission before you move out.
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    Can you rent a house at 16?
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    The laws vary depending on where you live. In the U.S., you typically can’t rent a home until you’re 18 or older. However, you might be able to live on your own under a lease in your parents’ name.
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      • If you want to live with a trusted adult other than your parents, consider requesting a guardianship transfer. Guardianship can be permanent or temporary and grants the guardian the same rights as the parent. If your parents do not consent to the transfer, you can petition the court but the process tends to be lengthy and drawn-out.
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      • Even if you get emancipated, you’re still a minor. There will be certain things you still can’t legally do, like drinking alcohol or voting.
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      • If your parents are divorced and you’d like to live with one of them full-time, see if your parents will agree to a custody modification.
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      Warnings

      • If you feel endangered by your current living situation, call the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-RUNAWAY or contact emergency services.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.masslegalhelp.org/children-families-divorce/youth-rights/emancipation-and-your-legal-rights-minor
      2. ↑ https://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/Find-legal-information/Relationships-and-children/Children-and-parenting/Moving-out
      3. ↑ https://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/Find-legal-information/Relationships-and-children/Children-and-parenting/Moving-out
      4. ↑ https://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/Find-legal-information/Relationships-and-children/Children-and-parenting/Moving-out
      5. ↑ https://ctlawhelp.org/en/a-teenagers-guide-to-emancipation
      6. ↑ https://www.dfps.texas.gov/youth-helpline/youth-resources/runaway-laws-emancipation-in-texas.asp
      7. ↑ https://www.dfps.texas.gov/youth-helpline/youth-resources/runaway-laws-emancipation-in-texas.asp
      8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150158/
      9. ↑ https://www.nevadafamilylaw.com/articles/can-i-legally-move-out-at-17-at-18
      1. ↑ https://www.nevadafamilylaw.com/articles/can-i-legally-move-out-at-17-at-18
      2. ↑ https://www.missingkids.org/blog/2021/why-kids-run-away-how-we-can-help
      3. ↑ https://www.runawayhelpline.org.uk/
      4. ↑ https://www.peoples-law.org/when-tenant-minor
      5. ↑ https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/apartment-hunting-tips.page
      6. ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-find-jobs-as-highschooler
      7. ↑ https://hr.umich.edu/sites/default/files/five_steps_to_creating_a_budget.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/emotional-support
      9. ↑ https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/emotional-support

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