Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

I'm 16 and will be 17 in on week.. In the state of Texas, at 17 you can move out at 17.. If I wanted to move out now (at age 16 for one week) could I?


Asked on 6/23/13, 10:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Fran Brochstein Attorney & Mediator

In Texas for criminal purposes you are an adult at 17.

For civil purposes you are still at child. You are not an adult at 18.

Confused yet?

Can you move out? If your parents object, then you cannot. Who will stop you? I doubt that CPS will get involved because they have their hands full. Will the police, sheriff or constable's office? I don't know - you can call and ask about their local policies and procedures regarding 17 year olds and moving out. Quite frankly, most policing agencies don't have the time & staff to deal with every teen-age and their parent's fighting. They are busy with traffic tickets & crime.

I hope this helps. Quite frankly, many teen agers post this exact question and it gets boring answering it. You can read my answers and many other attorney answers (many are much ruder than my answer!) on this website and on www.avvo.com.

Good luck!

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Answered on 6/27/13, 1:17 pm


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