Any minor who wants to be emancipated from his or her parents must file a petition with the proper state court and then meet the criteria set forth by the court, which typically corresponds with the minor's best interests. For example, the minor must be able to support him or herself financially in order to be considered for emancipation. Call Gregory A. Riebesehl At (602) 621-0779 to get an overview of the minor emancipation procedure; the legal effects of emancipation; an explanation of so-called “automatic emancipation,” Arizona State guidelines, etc.
You are considered a child and under the legal custody of a parent or guardian until you turn 18 (in most states), when you are granted adult status, also called the “age of majority.” Adults, of course, and minors who are “emancipated” do not need a parent’s permission to sign a legally-binding contract, get medical care, enroll in vocational school, or engage in other activities that otherwise require a parent’s permission. When a minor is emancipated, through court order or other means, the minor legally becomes an adult.
If you are under 18 and believe you would be better off on your own, how do you get emancipated? There are a few different ways to go get emancipated, but the decision should not to be taken lightly. This article provides an overview of the emancipation process. Call Family Law Attorney Gregory A. Riebesehl at (602) 621-0779 for additional information.
Should You Get Emancipated?
Many a teenager fantasizes about living on their own. But in reality, the day-to-day responsibilities can be overwhelming even for seasoned adults. This is not to say there are not good reasons for moving out and getting emancipated. But minors must carefully weigh the pros and cons, while making an honest assessment of their needs.
So before you ask, “How do you get emancipated?” you should ask whether you should get emancipated. Consider the following:
- You will have to find and pay for a place to live (which may need to be furnished).
- You will need to pay for your own health care.
- You will have to buy and cook your own food.
- You will be legally responsible for all contracts you sign.
- You may now be sued and held financially liable.
- Being emancipated does not entitle you to vote or buy alcohol.
- You are legally married.
- You are financially independent.
- Your parents are abusive, neglectful, or otherwise harmful to you.
- You have moral objections to your parents’ living situation.
- You have been kicked out of your house.
How Do You Get Emancipated Without a Legal Declaration?
It is possible to become emancipated without going through a complicated court process, but the options are limited and require a parent or legal guardian’s permission. In some states, if you get married before reaching the age of majority, you may become emancipated without a court’s permission. In Pennsylvania, for example, minors aged 16 to 18 who marry are automatically emancipated. Government agencies in that state generally have the authority to decide whether a minor is emancipated without the need for court approval.
The other out-of-court option for getting emancipated is by joining the military, which also requires a parent or legal guardian’s permission. The legal minimum age for joining the U.S. Armed Forces is 17.
Ask Gregory A. Riebesehl about Arizona's Minor Emancipation Laws for more details.
How Do You Get Emancipated Through a Court Order?
If you are not married or enlisted in the military, or are unable to get parental permission, you may file for a declaration of emancipation in court. Some states (like Delaware and Maryland) do not allow for the emancipation of minors by court order. Other states require the minor to be at least 16. In California, for example, minors as young as 14 may become emancipated.
States that allow for judicial emancipation will consider whether it serves the minor’s best interests. The following considerations typically figure into the court’s decision:
- Are you financially self-sufficient (excluding government aid)?
- Have you made stable living arrangements?
- Are you mature enough to make adult decisions?
- Are you enrolled in school or have a high school diploma?
At the hearing, the judge will ask questions and hear evidence before deciding whether you should be emancipated. If the court rules in your favor, you will be issued a declaration of emancipation (copies of which may be given to doctors, schools, landlords, etc.).
Many young people who wonder how to get emancipated don’t actually go through the process. But for those with legitimate reasons and the means to make it on their own, it’s an important option. Consider speaking with a family law attorney such as Gregory A. Riebesehl at (602) 621-0779 if you have additional questions.