You must find your own place to live, and be responsible for paying rent. You must provide your own food, clothing and other material needs. You may get a marriage license, driver’s license, or join the armed services without your parents’ permission. You may sign contracts without your parents’ involvement, and be legally responsible for upholding them. You may buy and sell property. You may enroll in a school or college by yourself. You may choose what medical treatments you receive, and you are responsible for paying for them.
You are legally married, and wish to have the same rights as an adult. [4] X Research source In this case, emancipation is achieved with parental consent and permission from the court. You are already financially independent, and wish to have the rights that come with financial independence. Your parents or guardian have told you that you cannot live with them. Your parents or guardian are physically or sexually abusive. The situation at your parents’ or guardian’s home is morally repugnant to you. Your parents or guardian have stolen your money.
Consider talking to your school counselor or a trusted adult friend about your options. He or she may be able to mediate an agreement between you and your parents that would help you feel comfortable living under their guardianship until you reach age 18. If you don’t want to live with your parents anymore, and your reason is that you don’t get along with them or you disagree with their rules, you’re probably better off staying with a relative or friend for a while instead of pursuing legal emancipation. If you are in an abusive situation, emancipation still might not be the best choice, since emancipated individuals can no longer be aided by Child Protective Services. Contacting your state’s Child Protective Services might be the option that better meets your needs.
Write a resume that includes previous jobs, volunteer work, and clubs and other activities. Look in the classified section of your local newspaper for jobs that don’t require a high school diploma. [6] X Research source Save as much of your money as you can. Don’t spend money on clothes or entertainment. Buy what you do need second-hand, or try to find it for free. Grocery shop frugally; buy cheap staples like beans, cabbage and tuna. Open a savings account at your local bank. [7] X Research source
An Affidavit to the petition, which is a description of your reasons for filing it. A financial statement describing your personal financial situation. A verification that you have employment, and thus will be able to pay your bills. A statement indicating that you have social independence. An Affidavit from either your parents or an adult who knows you personally and believes emancipation to be in your best interest, such as your physician, social worker, psychologist, teacher, school counselor, school administrator, or minister.
If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask for a fee waiver form from court staff.
The court will ensure that you are able to sustain yourself financially and socially. Your parents or guardian will have the chance to object to your petition if they wish, and explain their reasons for doing so. In some cases, an investigation will be conducted. If your parents or guardian are found to be providing an acceptable home, and do not wish for you to be emancipated, your petition may be rejected. If the evidence presented is found to be true, your case will move forward, and a court hearing will be scheduled.
If you are able to provide proof that is acceptable to the Court, emancipation will be granted, and will be kept on file with the Court until you are 25. If you or your parents object to the decision, either to grant you emancipation or not, you may file an appeal with the Court of Appeals.
