Can a 17-Year-Old Legally Run Away from Home in Colorado

[Sam Evenson]

My question involves guardianship in the State of: Colorado

To start off, some basic information:
-Female
-I am 17
-I live in Colorado (born and raised here)
-I have a stable job and make $200-$300 after taxes every week
-I have a car that is registered under my name
-Parents are divorced and I switch houses every two weeks (they have been divorced for 6-7 years)
-I will be 18 on September 20th, 2014

I hope someone on here can help me with this, in Colorado the law does not have a defined procedure for emancipation so it is left primarily up to the judge and parental consent or judicial bypass. I am looking for a way to move into a small apartment with one other roommate, I already have that part set up for the most part; my only problem is my parents are not fond of the idea of me leaving. We have had numerous fights between me and both my mom and dad. Some fights with my mom have resulted in her slapping me and pulling my hair, I have never once physically fought back. My dad has an alcohol problem and is verbally abusive, saying I'm an embarrassment, not like I should be, spoiled brat, bitch, extra. Also, there are multiple religious, political, and social disagreements and differences between me and both of my parents especially between my dad and I. My relationship with both my parents is comparable to a roller coaster, we seem civil and then no more than a few days pass we are fighting again. I have been kicked out once before but my mom forced me to return home (no police were involved) and that was about three years ago. I have recently been told on separate occasions that I can move out and also to "get out" but unfortunately they do not want me living with a guy even if the apartment is a two bedroom and he's a trustworthy friend. I unfortunately do not have any female friends that could support themselves financially so that isn't an option. My main question is, am I able to move out without their permission or without having to go through the court system without being considered a run-away and forced to return home? And if I am not able to do so would I qualify for emancipation, and will the procedure run quick enough to be worth the expense and effort?

[cbg]

In your state, you have to be already living on your own before a court will recognize you as emancipated. That means that you have to have your parents' permission, and that in turn means that you do it on their terms or not at all. On the day you are 18, you can move out and no one can stop you. Until that time, you DO risk being considered a runaway until or unless your parents give you permission to do so. And, until you turn 18, that permission can be revoked at any time. If they say, you can't move out if you are living with a guy, then you can't move out if you are living with a guy. That's all there is to it.

Be aware that $300 after taxes weekly is a very, very small amount to completely support yourself.