Im 16 years of age, Work a part time job, and am In honours and college courses at my highschool. (My grades suck right now, but it happens sometimes). My mom plans to move to Houston Texas, And I only recently (6months) moved to illinois. I already had close friends here, And since moving here have made MANY MANY more. Im doing alot better in general, Before living here I lived in virginia with my grandparents, and then my father, And was having numerous nervous breakdowns. I've went to over 10 different schools, and my family has scuttled me back and forth since I was 2 years old. I've lived in Virginia,Tennesee,Ohio,Toronto,Ontario And at least 2 different homes in each of these locations.
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I make around 300$ a month right now, and can get more hours if nessecary. I have friends offering me a room in there townhouse for 200$ a month, Wich would cover all utilities and everything. I can get a job transfer, and another of my companys facilitys is within a 5 minute walk of the townhouse. Its a safe neighborhood, and near Le Salle highschool.
Can I make my case? Because otherwise I'll have to run away, and not be able to complete school. And I really dont want to have to choose that option,But my familys made the descisions that make me happiest. And i've proven on more than one occasion Im beet off taking care of myself.

Hi Novo it is great to hear from you.

Hmmm, you are in a tough spot...when I was your age I was in a very similar position and I can attest to how difficult it can be. Please be careful and give a lot of thought before doing anything. The decisions you make will have a major impact on your life, I know that isn't a surprise to you but I cant overemphasize the importance of the decision you make.

The bottom line is that you need to finish school; if you quit you will be putting yourself in a position where jobs will be difficult to obtain(That pay a living wage anyway). It also makes getting a further education more difficult.

As for the financial aspect of your situation, you would need to be able to make more than you are to get by. It is impossible to eat and live off of 100 a month. If you were closer to 800 you might have a point but right now there is just no way to get by...

It is possible to work your way through school; I did it but it isn't fun and very difficult...I ended up having to work near to 40 hours a week in one job and a second job part time as a farm hand...even at that I was barely skating by. I did however learn how to shop at second-hand stores...

Emancipation is an option for you, but it is not simple or quick.

I can get a second job part time if I have to, And some financial assitance from my grandmother. But thats not something I can show to the judge, Also the people Id be living with are close friends. Theyd pay for most of my food, All my utilities etc. Its basically a big townhouse full of bachelors. But thats my only option, I dont want to have to quit school. I'd go back when I turned 18, but it just seems so stupid that for the sake of avoiding police I would have to forfeit my education.

Ive read in some places, you can simply contact the local police and explain your situation. And they can opt not to remove you, if you have a place to stay etc

Emancipation is done through the court, beforehand. If you are a minor that is living on your own without being emancipated there are issues that could arise as you are not legally old enough to make decisions for yourself. Emancipation however is a legal process where you get all of the legal rights of an adult.

You will have to see how the process works at your county courthouse, it is different in different places, but you generally have to put together material before you meet with a judge to explain your situation. The judge makes a decision as to whether he feels that you are able to take care of yourself and handle the responsibilities of an adult...

I can very well take care of myself, Health wise, And emotionally. I've went threw so much trauma, Because my family loves to make descisions about how I should leave places or how I should be. Im happy here, And for the first time in my life actually feel like I can call a place home. I live in cook county illinois right now, I can get my materials together tonight. How would I go about petioning the court?

One aspect of emancipation is to have your parents consent; it makes the process easier. If not, the it will fall on a judges shoulders to decide.

If you contact your county courthouse and ask, they can direct you to where you need to go. I am not familiar with Illinois law, so I can't give you anything specific...



That is one of the reasons I moved to oregon when I was 15, it was like home.

Also, keep in mind that your future roommates will be under strict scrutiny.

I understand what you are going through, because I did the same thing the day I turned 17. If you could get some teachers or other adults to vouch for you it would make a better case.

It won't be as easy as you may think on your own. Some things you don't always think about like shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc., that just seem to appear out of nowhere at your parents house and eventually you will need a car....so please think about this very carefully.

I am not quite aware of the emancipation laws and such in US but my advice to you would be to give top most priority to your education. You can prove your point later, when you have proper education which can earn you a decent living. Remember, you can always work later, but you can't always study later in your life. You might have great friends too but they might not always be able to support you financially.

Also, full time work and study is VERY difficult, however confident and intelligent you might be, I can tell because I worked full time in my final year of post-graduation. It was VERY stressful to keep my grades up and still do justice to my full time job.

Please consider these issues before making this very important decision of your life.

Aha! I ....for some reason...wondered where you were.

Did you ever read that book I sent you? All of the answers to your questions are found in it.

I did read a large portion of that book some years ago joc.
I dont remember it enlightening me however

Did you make up your mind on what you're going to do?

Running away is only an option if someone is trying to kill you! Don't run away. Fluffybunny is correct...you MUST stay in school. You must get a diploma. Then...re-read the book...it is only after you prove yourself as an adult with a diploma that the world will take you serious to any note worthy degree.

You're a smart guy. I wish you the best.