Question: I'm 17, living in New Hampshire, and I need to move out. Help? My dad says that if I find a legal way out I can move out. I've already researched emancipation but that basically says I have to have parental consent. What I need is a way other than emancipation to get me out of my house. It could be as easy as just living with a family friend but my dad wants to see it in NH Law, not just a generalization from the internet. Please, if anyone knows anymore...help me out!

Answer: What you do NOT have is "Capacity."  This means the right to have your decisions upheld in jurisprudence. As a minor, and keep in mind that in some states you would not be considered a minor, you do not have capacity because of your age. This exists in law to PROTECT children from their own mistakes, by realizing in law that they do not have judgement over what is best for them. For some people, this would be a legal fiction, but a line must be put down, and for most purposes in the USA, that age is 18. You would have a legal "out" if you could demonstrate abuse or neglect of some kind, meaning that your parents are not upholding their inherent responsibility of taking care of you properly. It doesn't mean you can leave if you didn't get a new car on your birthday. It does mean that you can get out if your were being given drugs or were being molested or beaten, and if you can also prove that your parent(s) either were involved or permitted the abuse. You DO have rights to see a social worker in NH and be counseled. In most cities, a civil rights attorney will take your case (assuming you HAVE a case) "pro bono" = for free. Make no decisions lightly or without PROFESSIONAL help. Internet advice is not a substitute for professional help. Good luck.
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