STATES WITH CONTRACT LAWS FOR MINORS SEEKING SHELTER
Missouri Oregon Wyoming
Age of minor 16 or 17 16 or 17 (or, if under 16 pregnant or parenting a child living
with them)
16 or 17
Other conditions Homeless or victim of domestic violence and self-
supporting
Unemancipated and unmarried Unemancipated, homeless, or victim of domestic violence or
sexual abuse and managing their own finances
Consent from parents Parents must consent to youth living independently, but
consent can be implied by forcing youth out of home,
refusing financial support, or through abuse or neglect.
Parents must consent or acquiesce to youth living
independently and youth must provide affidavit stating his or
her eligibility, signed by the minor and two adults who
confirm the minor understands the legal implications of the
contract. Witness adults must be an attorney, health care
provider, rabbi, priest, minister, clergy or other religious
counselor or a college or school administrator or counselor.
Allowing minors to enter contracts for:
Housing
x x x
Utilities
x
Admission to a shelter
x
x
Employment
x
x
Buy vehicle
x
x
Student loan
x
x
High school admission
x
Post-secondary admission
x
x
Obtain medical care
x
Establish a bank account
x
x
Receive services for domestic violence
x
Receive services for sexual abuse
x
Receive other advocacy services
x
x
May obtain a birth certificate
x
Liability provisions
Parent or legal guardian is not liable unless party to the
minor's contract or enters another contract guaranteeing the
minor's debt.
State Tribal Relations Interim Committee
Zoom Remote Meeting
May 7, 2020
Runaway States Contract Law Summary
Exhibit 5
Prepared by Hope Stockwell for the State-Tribal Relations Committee, May 2020, page 1 of 1
