Other Family Issues

questions & answers

Question: what age is a teenager allowed to leave the home legally?

Answer:

If by leave, you mean move out of the house, then a teenager is legally allowed to leave the home once they have reached 18, the age of majority.  This is the age where the teenager is allowed to form contracts and their parents aren't necessarily responsible for their actions.  Before the age of 18, a parent has certain legal rights that they must meet, such as providing food and shelter for their child.

A teenager who is as young as 16 and demonstrates that they are "self sufficient" can become emancipated from their parents.  Emancipation is a legal process that allows for a person who has become emancipated to be treated as though they are 18. (See  ARS § 12-2451 which covers the requirements for "Emancipation" in Arizona).

For more information please see LawForKids.org.