My question involves juvenile law in the State of Virginia. I am about to be 18 in 15 days and when I turn 18 I want to know if my step mom can stop me in anyway ? I work and have a place to stay in in my senior year
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My question involves juvenile law in the State of Virginia. I am about to be 18 in 15 days and when I turn 18 I want to know if my step mom can stop me in anyway ? I work and have a place to stay in in my senior year
Your step-mom can't prevent you from doing anything. Legally, she's a stranger to you. Practically she can influence your father and make other pedestrian things more difficult in terms of dealing with family issues but she cannot prevent you from leaving.
Your father, however, can make leaving uncomfortable. He can keep virtually all of the items that you've come to see as your own. Clothes, electronics, furniture, etc. He can cancel your phone service, eliminate access to the internet and impose all sorts of other complications. You can still leave, of course, but no one is obligated to provide one think dime for your support.
So, it's always easiest to leave amicably. You never know, you may have to move back.
Why is your step-mother so opposed to you leaving?
At age 18 in Virginia, you can move out. If you believe that your parents may try to impede your taking your personal property with you, make sure you either work that out or make arrangements that prevent it from becoming a problem. Your parents don't have to allow you to take their property or furniture.
Keep in mind also how this decision and how you go about moving out could affect your future relationships with your parents, as well as their willingness to support you in the future (e.g., for college).
In addition to what Mr. KIA said, despite living on your own, you will be required to provide your parents information on your FAFSA if you are planning on applying for financial aid should you choose to attend college.