Teen Independence

One of life’s greatest transitions is the shift from living with one’s parents or guardians to living on one’s own. The switch can be particularly stressful for teenagers, who may have little experience with paying monthly bills or shopping for necessities. For teenagers, the first real chance for independent living usually comes right after high school. Many teenagers strike out on their own soon after their graduation, asserting their entrance into adulthood by making their own home.

In some cases, however, teenagers are forced by circumstances to strike out on their own while they are still minors. A teen may become an orphan. If the family is unable to provide a safe and healthy home, the court may remove the teen from their parents. Conversely, parents might kick out a teenager they feel they cannot handle. Most of the time, teenagers in these situations will maintain some contact with their parents or legal guardians. For example, a responsible adult must cosign many official documents such as leases or contracts along with the teen. Sometimes, though, a teenager is legally emancipated before the age of eighteen. An emancipated teen is granted the legal rights of an adult and freedom from parental control by the court. Usually, a teen must prove that they are financially capable of living independently before a judge will consider emancipation.