Who Can Separate You from Your Parents: A Look at the Rule of Emancipation

Emancipation of minors is a legal procedure that terminates the rights and responsibilities of parents for their children, permitting them to act in many respects as though they were adults. This article will explore what emancipation means for minors (both legally and emotionally), how it affects parental rights, and how you can help your child with this process.

The emancipation process only applies to minors who are at least 16 years old. The following is a checklist of the major requirements for emancipation:

-A written statement explaining why you want or need legal independence from your parents

-Ability to prove financial self-sufficiency, including employment and sufficient living arrangements (including having an income)

-Provide evidence that all other bases of parental authority have been dismissed by court order or mutual consent with both parents in writing if either parent has any rights as defined by law such as physical custody, visitation, child support obligations etc.

Maintaining contact with both biological/legal guardians may be necessary depending on the reason for wanting emancipation. If this is not possible because one guardian cannot be present or something else, then it is important to provide evidence that a guardian has been appointed or chosen to represent you.

-Ability to understand the consequences of emancipation and give your own consent

-Legal recognition as an adult with voting rights, full legal responsibility for actions taken, entrance into contract agreements etc.