Asked 4/23/2016 – Spring, TX

I’ll be 17 in a few months, and I’m looking to move out of my mom’s house (in Texas), into my dad’s (who lives in Kansas). Since my dad doesn’t have custody of me, so I assume it would be the same as if I were moving out on my own. I’ve heard of some people saying that I can move out at 17 as long as my mom knows where I am, I have a job, and am keeping my grades up.

Answer

You cannot make an independent decision on where you can live until you turn 18. If there is a court order that gives your mother custody of you, she can agree that you live with your father. If she disagrees and you move out anyway, your father can be held in contempt of court and you can be considered a runaway. Come to an agreement or wait until next year.