Legal Question in Juvenile Dependency in Missouri

I am 16 years old and live in columbia missouri. Home life barely tolerable; want to move out at 17. Many friends have done this. I am a ward of court now because right after i turned 15 i went to jail, now i have juvenile officer curfew, etc. I have been offered a permanent place to stay, school within walking distance and i can get a job as well. This place is not in columbia, its in a nearby town. My mom says that if i try to move out before 18, shell get me arrested and also will get a court order for me to remain home until in my 20's. Please tell me my options. Ive heard there is no emancipation in missouri...if there is, how do i go about doing it? Just walk in the courthouse and ask to be emancipated? Very confused, hoping to clearly define my options so i know what to do. Thanks.


Asked on 7/08/13, 6:26 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Anthony Smith LawSmith

You have several options, but it sounds like you wont be able to do any on your own. If your curfew will allow it, get a job, save your pay, then hire an attorney to give you advice and representation specific to your case. Emancipation is very tough, but not impossible. If you can save money to hirer an attorney, you might be able to do it. If you cannot save the money (while you're living rent free with Mom), then you probably cannot meet the standard to emancipate. If the situation gets too difficult you bear, while you're saving your money, you're old enough to put yourself unto the foster care system. If you aren't willing to work to Ute an attorney, and don't want to go into foster care, it should be a sign to you that life with Mom isn't that bad. A great many teenagers want to leave home early. Very few are willing to sacrifice to do it. Unless there is a basis for finding you you be incompetent, it us unlikely that any Court would force you to stay home after you turn eighteen. It may be that your Mother wants to continue to get child support, or government assistance. If your fathers house is an option, your might convince the Court to change the Custody Order.

Good luck

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Answered on 7/08/13, 1:04 pm


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