Leaving a Toxic Household

I am 19 years of age and I live in Pennsylvania. The past 7 years or so I have been stuck with my family. We been fighting each other over things (complex story), and while my family never been physical with me, I'm tired of the verbal fights. It is causing me unnecessary stress and making my existing health problems worse. A few of the things my parents done to me or each other over the years can probably be classified as illegal or pretty damn close to it.

I like to be able to move out of my house, with or without telling everyone (depends on how well/bad they keep treating me), but I don't know if I should. I do have some money to maintain myself, however,with driver license (have a learner's permit) and even if I had one I have no car, that is a problem.

My other problem is would I be breaking any laws by leaving (with or without giving prior knowledge to them)? I don't want to get my license, a job,place to stay and so on only to find out I broke a law of some sorts.

I have going to college at the moment, so my father still claims me as a dependent on taxes.


I just like to know how do I go around doing this without breaking any potential laws, but not staying in my house longer then I must to avoid further stress. While I still love my family on one hand, I think some of the mental wounds the backstabbing did just made it's mark.

Thanks.

No, you are an adult. You may leave (with or without telling them) if that is what you wish, however if you do so your parents are in no way obligated to support you.

Just a point to note that age 19, they're not obligated to support you even if you're still living in their home.

You reached the age of majority at 18. That means that you can pack up and move out without needing to ask permission. You can do it with notice, without notice, or something in between.

OK. So there is no way they can get a court order or anything and force me back?

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Quoting MK8

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OK. So there is no way they can get a court order or anything and force me back?

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Unless they have some sort of court ordered conservatorship (indicating that you are mentally incapable of manging your personal affairs) you are free to leave. But, they do not have to permit you to take much with you, and they do not have to provide any means for you to support yourself.

You are free to pack a bag and walk out the front door if you wish to do so.