What to know about living alone as a minor or teen.
If you’re under 18 and feel the need to live apart from your parents, there are certain legal steps you can take. A court order can be requested that may allow you to live independently or with someone else.
As a minor, you can:
File a CHIPS petition, with the help of a lawyer. The juvenile court can order you to live in foster care. But if you are at least 16 years old, the court may order that you are allowed to live independently. The court decides what supervision you need. CHIPS cases are usually filed by the county, after child protection investigates.
Ask your parents to sign a Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA). Delegation means to give a right or duty to someone else. The DOPA is a paper your parents sign to let someone else act as your guardian. It can last up to 12 months, and your parents can take it back at any time.
Get an Order for Protection (OFP), which states that your parents must stay away or see you only under certain conditions. The court could order an OFP if contact with your parents is harmful to you, such as in cases of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
Seek emancipation, a status that means you are living on your own – not under the care of your parents. Minnesota doesn’t have a defined process for granting emancipation, but it’s possible.
Tell Someone if You Don’t Feel Safe at Home
If you’re afraid of being hurt or neglected at home, tell a police officer or a county child protection worker.
Living alone and need help? Call an outreach worker or any of the organizations listed on our Youth Housing or Member Agencies pages.