Can my mother legally collect my child support if I move out or can it be sent to me?

Full question:

I live in Washington, and I am 16, turning 17 in exactly two months. I am planning on moving out next month, and I will be moving in with a friend, wherein the expenses will be split. I am still in school, but will be going to a community college full time for my senior year. I am moving in with a friend from work, who is 23. I have a steady job, which would be enough to cover expenses, i.e. rent, food, electric, car insurance, etc. My mother is against it, but has still proposed the idea to me in times of conflict. I believe that I have enough cause for me to move out. Now my question is, can I do so without running into any legal problems? I don't want to have to get emancipated, and if I'm right, I believe that I would receive the child support, instead of her (since she would no longer be supporting a child).

  • Category: Divorce
  • Subcategory: Child Support
  • Date:
  • State: Washington

Answer:

Your custodial parent still has rights unless you are emancipated.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Yes, in Washington, you can move out at 17 without parental consent. However, your custodial parent still has rights unless you are legally emancipated. Emancipation grants you full legal independence, allowing you to make decisions about your living situation without parental involvement.