Can a 16-year-old choose to live with his friend if his mom has custody of him and lets him?

Answer

Yes! As long as your mother agrees then it's fine. I hope you realize how great it is to have a mother and the separation between you is on good terms and not bad ones. If you just want to try out your independence this is a good thing, but don't forget .. most mothers are there for you, so if things get tough she'll be there.

Maybe. Your mom is responsible though unless your friend's parents have legal guardianship. If you don't go to school, for example, and there is a truancy law in your state, your mom is on the hook for legal charges (usually a misdemeanor) and fines ($500 in Utah, for example). If your mom says you're not living at home then the Court will say you have to go back home and obey the rules. If you can't do that, then you may get sent to foster care unless the friend's parents are willing to apply to be foster parents etc. The key is if you're behaving yourself - going to school, not getting into any trouble with drugs or shoplifting or whatever. The State usually doesn't care where you are living (or want the responsibility for you) as long as wherever you are staying is safe and you are being responsible.

First answer by Marcy. Last edit by Lucas17. Contributor trust: 0 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 85 [recommend question]