Can a 16 year old choose where to live?
Asked by: Mr. Kamron Zieme | Last update: September 7, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (24 votes)
In California, a child is considered to be “of sufficient age” to express a preference when they are at least 14 years old. Thus, any minor over the age of 14 years old has the right to express their preference of which parent they would prefer to live with after the parents' divorce or separation.
Can I choose where I want to live when I'm 16?
No. You don't just get to pick another place to live. If your situation is that dire, I'd suggest contacting social services or a school counselor. Until something is legally done about it, though, you can't just move as you see fit.
What if a child doesn't want to live with a parent?
If a child doesn't want to live with a parent, it might be a safety issue. If your child is old enough, ask what is happening there that makes him or her not want to go. For small children, ask them to draw a picture of life at Daddy's house. A professional counselor and lawyers might need to be involved.
Could I choose who I want to live with once I turn 16?
Usually, yes. In most states, the age to choose which parent you want to live with is between 12 and 14. there is no state that sets it as high as 16. With that being said, any 16 year old in any state should be able to give a say in where they wa...
Can I decide where to live at 16?
No, you aren't able to get a place before that. Minors cannot enter into legal contracts with anyone unless your parents or guardian consents or they co-sign your lease but then relying on your parent or guardian will tank your chance of being emancipated.
At What Age Can My Child Choose Where to Live?
Can I move out at 16 without parental consent?
In the United States, the minimum age to legally move out without parental consent is typically 18.
Can I stop living with my parents at 16?
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.
Is 16 old enough to move out?
At What Age Can a Teen Legally Leave Home in the United States? In the United States, a teen can legally leave home when they reach the age of majority, 18 years old in most states. However, there are exceptions: in Alabama and Nebraska, the age of majority is 19, and in Mississippi, it is 21.
What is it called when you can live on your own at 16?
Emancipation is a legal way for a 14 to 17-year-old to become free from their parent's custody and control.
At what age can children make decisions on their own?
Prior research establishes that children's involvement in decisions (either deciding with parents or deciding on their own) increases over ages nine to 13 (Yee and Flanagan 1985), while decision autonomy (deciding without parental input) increases over ages 12–17 (Dornbusch et al.
What is cold mother syndrome?
Cold mother syndrome refers to a parenting style characterized by emotional distance, dismissiveness, and rejection. This type of mothering is often accompanied by a lack of emotional availability and neglect of a child's emotional needs.
At what age can a kid decide which parent to live with?
In California, a child's preference in custody matters is not the only factor considered by the court, but children aged 14 and above can express their parental preference to aid in determining custody.
What happens when a child refuses to go with a parent?
Sometimes, with older children who refuse visitation, it may not be considered the parent's fault if the visit didn't happen. But if a child continually refuses to follow the visitation schedule, regardless of the child's age, then a parent may decide to get the court involved through contempt proceedings.
At what age can a child refuse to see a parent in PA?
In Pennsylvania, there is no age earlier than 18 at which a child can refuse to see the other parent.
Can a 16 year old decide who they want to live with in Kentucky?
There is no magic age that a child gets to decide where they live. A child is a minor and the law presumes that a minor is not mature enough to make those types of decisions, regardless how mature they may seem.
Can you legally move out at 16 in Florida?
As a general rule, a 16 yr old can live anywhere they want, so long as the parents do not object and report them as a runaway. However, the parents are still responsible for them and obligated to support them until they are 18 or there is a court order of emancipation.
Can I live on my own at 16?
What age can a child legally move out? A young person can leave home at 16. However, parents remain legally responsible for keeping their child safe until they reach 18 - this includes making sure they have somewhere to live.
Can you choose where to live at 16?
In California, the law allows children age 14 and up to express their parental preference to aid in determining custody. However, no matter the child's age, a judge will consider their preference in evaluating the overall suitability of the custody arrangement.
Can parents emancipate their children?
Most states require that adults petition the court, although emancipation is a right extended to children. In most instances, a petitioner must file a petition for emancipation with a county or a probate court , as these courts have jurisdiction over matters concerning juveniles and children.
Can I move in with my boyfriend at 17 without parental consent?
18 is usually the age you are able to decide where you live without your parents' permission. If you stay with your boyfriend without your parents' permission, they could report you as a runaway to the police. Running away is not illegal, so you would not get into any legal trouble.
Can you move out at 16 without parental consent in New York?
New York does not have a minor emancipation statute, so the only way to become emancipated is to file a motion in conjunction with another case already in court such as a custody or a child support action. Talk with your family lawyer about how to become emancipated in the state of New York.
How old do you have to be to be a teenager?
Information About Teens (Ages 12-19) | Parent Information | CDC.
Can my parents check my phone at 16?
While parents certainly differ in their opinions about this question, legally speaking, it is not child abuse for a parent to look through a child's phone.
What can I do if my 16 year old refuses to come home?
- Use a graduated system to rectify the situation.
- Open up a reasonable line of communication with the noncustodial parent.
- Ascertain why the teen does not want to come home.
- Consider the age of the teen and the possibility for a change.
- Involve law enforcement.
- Seek a court order.
- Seek legal assistance.
Can I call the police if my child refuses to come home?
Is it possible to call the police on your own child if they run away and refuse to come home? What actions can the police take in this situation? Your child is a run away, call it in as such. If you know where they are let the police know as well, it's against the law to harbor a run away.