Can You Get Emancipated Based on a Stepparent's Conduct

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: Indiana

So, this is not something that was brought about because I don't like the "rules," in this house, or anything like that.

I am 17 years old, and live with both parents. I work a fairly well paying job (not going into detail, but I make well over minimum wage), an I attend classes at a community college.

I am seeking emancipation because I do not feel safe in this house. Recently, my adoptive father has been touching me inappropriately, and has confessed that he finds me very physically attractive. This makes me extremely uncomfortable. My mom, to my knowledge, does not know, and I am not sure if it is appropriate to tell her.
Regarding where I would go, my sister and a friend of mine have kindly offered for me to stay in either of their homes, however, if necessary, I believe I can afford my own place.
Do I qualify for emancipation? If not, what can I do?
Staying at my current home is NOT an option.

Thank you in advance.

Have you reported him?

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Quoting 12345Throwaway

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My question involves juvenile law in the State of: Indiana

So, this is not something that was brought about because I don't like the "rules," in this house, or anything like that.

I am 17 years old, and live with both parents. I work a fairly well paying job (not going into detail, but I make well over minimum wage), an I attend classes at a community college.

I am seeking emancipation because I do not feel safe in this house. Recently, my adoptive father has been touching me inappropriately, and has confessed that he finds me very physically attractive. This makes me extremely uncomfortable. My mom, to my knowledge, does not know, and I am not sure if it is appropriate to tell her.
Regarding where I would go, my sister and a friend of mine have kindly offered for me to stay in either of their homes, however, if necessary, I believe I can afford my own place.
Do I qualify for emancipation? If not, what can I do?
Staying at my current home is NOT an option.

Thank you in advance.

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You really need to tell your mother. When do you turn 18?

Your reason for wanting emancipation is the LAST thing that the judges look at. Before you get to that stage, you have to have already proven to the satisfaction of the judge that you are capable of self-support. Even if you are going to be living with someone else, you still have to show that you will not become a burden on the taxpayers if that person throws you out, or is hit by a bus, or is transferred to New Zealand and cannot/will not take you with them. While I haven't yet looked at Indiana's rules, in many states you cannot be emancipated unless your parents approve.

It is not only appropriate for you to tell your mother, if you expect to get anywhere with a petition for emancipation with this as a basis, I would say it is mandatory.

@Dogmatique-No, I am trying to make this as "quiet," as possible. Also, the touching isn't nearly to the level that some other people face in this situation, although it was still inappropriate. I guessy next question would be, can I even report him for just gringing on me and grabbing my ass? Or does he literally have to touch me in more private areas? I'm afraid that that's what it'll escalate to, which is why I'm leaving

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@ilworking-I turn 18 in December

Hon, it's more than halfway through October. If you filed an emancipation petition today, you'd already be 18 before it got on the docket.

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Quoting cbg

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Hon, it's more than halfway through October. If you filed an emancipation petition today, you'd already be 18 before it got on the docket.

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So what can I do? I cannot stay here, as I just don't feel safe, but I fear that if I left, he would involve police, as I am still a minor. I know I could tell the police why I left, but that would get him in a lot of trouble, and our entire family would find out, which I am trying to avoid.

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Quoting cbg

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Hon, it's more than halfway through October. If you filed an emancipation petition today, you'd already be 18 before it got on the docket.

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I agree. Hold out until December and then you can leave without needing anyone's permission. However, if your father really is heading in the direction that you fear, he is likely to make it as difficult as possible for you to move out. Therefore, you need to plan things carefully so that you get the things that are most important to you out of the house before your parents realize that you are leaving. Your money, your ID, your personal documents, etc.

Hold out until you are 18. If he comes near you again like that, politely advise him if he touches you, you are going to wait until he is asleep and cut his johnson off with a paring knife.

Hon, I feel for you, I really do. But you can't have it both ways. You cannot move out without parental permission until you are 18. If you tell your mother/CPS/the police what's going on, you may be able to move out sooner. Not guaranteed, but possible. However, if you refuse to tell anyone what's happening then you are going to have to wait it out until your 18th birthday unless you can convince your parents to let you move out sooner. LL has give you some good advice on the preparations you can be making until then.