Information about becoming Estranged

LegacyUser

Hi I was just wondering if anybody could provide any general information or maybe some links about becoming estranged from your parents as an adult (18). I've tried the "Garda" website and read general info about estrangement but none of it really gives any clear advice about my specific case.

The clearest information I got was from the SUSI college grant website, which says I need "proof" of estrangement from my parents in the form of court proceedings or Garda reports - does this mean I would have to take them to court? I don't know what I could do about this as there was is no physical abuse, and I can't afford to bring anyone to court anyway. I have never been in the care of the HSE which is another possible criteria, and I'm legally an adult now so will never be in their care.

I suppose what I'm asking is, is there any type of "form" from the guards or some section of the Government that would declare me estranged? Sorry if that's a silly question. From my reading it seems that adults just go ahead with the estrangement and cut off contact but it's never a "legal" thing. My parents are also married so I don't fit the "divorced/seperated parents" criteria for the SUSI grant. Their income is also too high for me to receive any type of grant or assistance for going to college. If I was not attending college is there any type of financial help for people my age? I work full time in min. wage, did my leaving cert.

Thanks!

chickenlicken2

I'm not 100% what you are asking. Are you actually estranged/no contact from your parents and trying to find how you establish proof of this for maintenance grant purposes?

I'm confused about this.. You're an adult, at 18, so I'm not sure what you need to do. Regarding the SUSI grant, as far as I'm aware you need to be living outside of home before October of the year you're starting the year to be classified as an independent student.

It might be worth getting clarification on this side of things over at the student finances forum.

http://touch.boards.ie/forum/1101

Faith

It's unclear what you're asking. There's a process called emancipation of minors, where someone under the age of 18 can apply to legally remove guardianship from their parents and become independent. It's rare and it usually only occurs in extreme situations. As you're 18 now, you are a legal adult, responsible for yourself.

Are you looking to get a grant? Or social welfare? Unfortunately if you're studying in college, there's very limited financial assistance available to you. You're not entitled to social welfare as a student. I'm not sure about grants, because I believe they have changed in the last few years. I'd say you'd at least need to be living independently and supporting yourself entirely to be considered independent of your parents.

Eeden

I think in most cases, SUSI won't believe you if you say you are estranged from your parents until you are (I think) 23? I've heard of some cases which seem really tough. They might try to make you have your parents swear an affidavit that they are not supporting you, which can be difficult/impossible to arrange, of course, and there is no guarantee that they will even accept that in the end. You might need to contact a solicitor (sucks because this will probably cost you money you don't have), or try to find out about free legal aid (flac.ie).

Eeden

Eeden wrote: »

I think in most cases, SUSI won't believe you if you say you are estranged from your parents until you are (I think) 23? I've heard of some cases which seem really tough. They might try to make you have your parents swear an affidavit that they are not supporting you, which can be difficult/impossible to arrange, of course, and there is no guarantee that they will even accept that in the end. You might need to contact a solicitor (sucks because this will probably cost you money you don't have), or try to find out about free legal aid (flac.ie).

The OP really needs to ask the SUSI themselves or post over at the student finances forum, but I know that the Dole you have to produce:

1) Proof that you're living there - bank statement or utility bill
2) Letter from your landlord saying you live there - or a copy of the signed lease

Eeden

Maybe try this thread:

Student Finances