Legal Question in Family Law in Wyoming

Moving Out

I am 17 and have already completed high school and I was wondering if I could legally move out of my parents house yet.


Asked on 12/30/02, 9:13 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Billie Ruth Edwards Edwards & Johnson, Attorneys, LLC

Re: Moving Out

Until you are 18, you are still a minor. As long as you are a minor, your parents are responsible for you. If you can show you have a job and sufficient income to care for yourself (pay all your bills and living expenses), you may ask the Court to declare you emancipated. This frequently takes several months and a hearing. Depending on when your 18th birthday is, you might well be advised to stay put until then.

An additional problem you would have, should you move out before your 18th birthday, is persuading a landlord to rent to you, or a property owner to sell to you. Until you are 18, you cannot legally sign a contract. That puts both you and the property owner at risk in any rental/sale situation.

Should there be a reason you feel you need to be out of your parents house, please consider discussing the matter with an attorney. Most do not charge for initial consultation.

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Answered on 12/31/02, 7:01 am


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