Legal Rights of Young Adults Moving Out in the U.S.

When young adults reach the age of 18, they are considered legal adults with a variety of rights and responsibilities. This includes the right to make their own decisions, including where they live. For a 20-year-old individual, their parents cannot legally prevent them from moving out, provided they are no longer financially or legally dependent on them.

Basic Legal Rights upon Turning 18 in the U.S.

At 18, individuals in the United States gain several legal rights. These include:

The right to vote The right to serve in the military The right to serve on a jury The right to enter into contracts and other legal agreements The right to make decisions about their health and well-being The right to move out of their parent's home without their permission

Complex Situations and Additional Considerations

While the majority of 20-year-olds are legally entitled to move out, there may be additional factors to consider. If the young adult is still financially dependent on their parents, or there are lease agreements in place, these can complicate the situation. For example, if the young adult has signed a lease agreement with their parents, breaking that lease by moving out would be a civil matter that needs to be resolved through the civil court system, not through law enforcement.

Parental Rights and Responsibilities

Parents generally have a legal duty to provide for their children until they reach adulthood. However, once the child turns 18, they are no longer considered a child for legal purposes. This includes the right to make independent decisions, including choosing to live away from home.

If a 20-year-old youth declares they want to leave home, their parents may try to prevent this by changing locks, but they cannot legally force the individual to remain in the home or arrest them for leaving. In cases where there are custody issues or concerns about the mental health of the young adult, legal intervention might be necessary. However, unless the individual is deemed incompetent by a court of law, their parents do not have the authority to prevent them from moving out.

Conclusion

The rights of young adults to move out of their parents' homes are well-defined in U.S. law. Unless there is a specific legal issue such as a lease agreement or guardianship, 20-year-olds have the legal right to leave their parents' home. It is advisable for young adults to discuss their plans with their parents and seek legal advice if necessary. Understanding these rights can help ensure a smoother transition to adulthood and independence.