[Student06]

Hi im a 17 year old student living in Alabama moved from Florida about 2 years ago,I do not like the enviroment (plenty of reasons mainly racism ) or the school(they basically put me a a year behind in credits).Im simply just done with this place. I want to move back to Florida with extended family (Aunt). Doing so would put me back on my educational track and be a lot more beneficial to me in the future(University Tuition). On the other hand my parents don't want to help and in arguements they just say "leave then if you can find a place and support yourself"; The subject just brings Verbal Confrontations especially Jan-Feb of this year were Law Inforcement and School Guidance office was involved.My Aunt welcomes me with open arms to live with them. My question is are there laws similar to the California Caregiver's Authorization Affidavit in Florida,which permit extended family to register me into a school. Also would there be any laws in Alabama that could restrain me from leaving my household.

[aaron]

Your best approach is probably to get your parents to execute guardianship papers in favor of your Aunt, such that she can assert status as your legal guardian and enroll you in school.

The Broward County Schools indicate their requirements for documentation of guardianship:

If the student is residing with someone other than the parent or legal guardian, the following provisions shall apply:

* If parent/guardian lives within the tri-county area (Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach), the parent must provide documentation of custody by an appropriate state agency such as the Department of Children and Families, or the Court. Applications for Temporary Custody of Minor Children by Extended Family can be obtained at the Family Unit office in the Broward County Court House - Room 248.

* If parent/guardian lives outside the tri-county area (including out of country), the parent/guardian must submit a notarized statement identifying the person assuming responsibility for the supervision of the child.

* If a parent/guardian lives within the tri-county area and the student lives in a residence licensed by the Department of Children and Families, the student may be enrolled in the school that serves that licensed residence.

If your parents cooperate with this process, your Aunt would presumably want to obtain and complete the Applications for Temporary Custody of Minor Children by Extended Family, which she would obtain from the County Courthouse, and obtain as necessary an order of guardianship.

[Student06]

Thank You for the response. If my parents refuse to cooperate with the process does that in turn close the door to move back to Florida? Are there any other options other then Emancipation(which I wouldn't consider an option for me)?Thank you for help.

[aaron]

I am not sure what other options are available, as I don't practice in either state at issue. It would be best, though, given that any other option would likely involve the courts, if everybody cooperates.