What is emancipation?
Emancipation is a way for those under 18 to gain some of the rights and responsibilities of adults.
If you are emancipated, you gain many adult rights.
Emancipation
How do I get emancipated?
There are 3 ways to get emancipated.
What doesn’t change if I am emancipated?
Even if you are emancipated, you still have to follow many laws for children under 18.
If I am emancipated, can I undo it later?
Probably not.
If I am already on my own, is emancipation right for me?
Emancipation may be a good choice if you are already
- supporting yourself,
- living on your own, and
- working at a stable job.
Where can I get help?
For free help, call one of the organization linked below. They can answer your questions and help you fill out the forms you need for emancipation.
What do I do with the completed forms?
Call the court clerk’s office in your county. Ask them where to turn in your forms, and whether you have to fill out any extra forms for that county.
How will the court decide?
In some counties, the court orders an investigation before deciding. If your county does that, someone will contact you. The investigator may talk to other people, too, including your parents. The investigator will write a report about your situation and give it to the court.
What if I get in trouble with the law or commit a crime?
If you commit a crime, you may still be charged as a juvenile (under 18).
How long does the court take to decide?
The court has 30 days after your papers are filed to
- decide your case, or
- schedule a hearing where you and others in your life would come to court to talk to the judge.
Am I automatically emancipated if I have a child?
No. If you are under 18, the law says you are still a child.
Can someone else ask the court to emancipate me?
No. Only you can ask the court for emancipation.