I’m 17 and live with my parents, and desperately want a place of my own. Though I have a bit of an ironic situation going on – I would love to get a job so I can move to a nearby city, but I live in such a rural area that there are no part-time jobs for students (like me) that aren’t at least an hour’s drive away. Annoying! Though I have to say, selling things on Ebay truly pays off in the long-term.

Under the law regarding aid- you cannot be labeled as ‘independent’ until you turn 23/your parents die/or you have emancipation- which is a lengthy and pricey legal process that often doesn’t help anyway. Till then, you need their signatures and info. I highly doubt that they wouldn’t give you this info- they clearly care about you and want you to get an education.

I have been living with my fiance since I was 16 about 30 miles away from my parents. Fortunately I am still close to my parents and they have been helpful in giving me their info/signatures for Financial aid. If we weren’t on good terms, or they didn’t give me that info. I would NOT be able to attend college.

So think long and hard about your long term goals in life before you cut any ties you might regret. I understand where you are coming from- and when I put myself in your shoes I understand your desire to take a chance. But I think you need to do your best to make this an amicable separation from your parents. They took care of you your entire life, you owe them kindness of respecting their love for you and the hopes you will get at least your GED.

For worries of me expecting my love to take care of me or letting him do so; I don’t plan on that. I’d very much like to be able to hold my own, for the most part, so getting a job and paying for my personal things as well as helping with rent and such was always in mind.
I’m glad that people think of things like that, though. :]

I’ve thought about possible situations that could come up with his brother, and I believe we can all be mature and work things out.. even if it comes to me moving somewhere else. I plan on talking with his brother and asking him to come to me if he ever has any kind of issue that concerns me, because I don’t want things to get pushed back and built up into something that could have been avoided.
If things do go wrong, then at least I can be proud and say that I tried my best.

@the loan bit from Erin: I should probably have concerns about that, but, honestly, I don’t. My parents weren’t going to be helping me with college things anyways. :x

and @what Rachel said about waiting until I can afford it on my own: That could take my whole life. haha. I really don’t know many people that can support themselves alone. Actually, the only person I can think of is one of my brothers that has worked his way up in the Air Force.
It’s a nice thought and good idea, but I feel it’s something that would take far longer than I want.