{"id":351836,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/emancipation-of-minors\/how-do-you-get-emancipated.html"},"modified":"2023-05-29T08:24:23","modified_gmt":"2023-05-29T13:24:23","slug":"how-do-you-get-emancipated","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/emancipation-of-minors\/how-do-you-get-emancipated.html","title":{"rendered":"How Do You Get Emancipated?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How Do You Get Emancipated?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Joseph Fawbush, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Minors seeking an emancipation should understand the process to achieve their goal. Minors who get married or join the armed forces before they turn 18 are automatically emancipated from parental control.  The alternative to automatic emancipation is filing a petition with the appropriate state court.  The court will grant the petition if it believes emancipation is in the best interest of the minor. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

You are considered a child and under the legal custody of a parent or legal guardian until you turn 18 years of age (in most states<\/a>). This is when you are granted adult status, also called the "age of majority<\/a>."<\/p>\r\n

Adults and minors who are "emancipated" don’t need parental consent to enter into binding contracts. They don’t need permission to get medical care or enroll in school. When a minor’s petition for emancipation is granted, the minor child legally becomes an adult and is no longer under parental control.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides an overview of the emancipation process.<\/p>\r\n

Emancipation: A Brief Overview<\/h2>\r\n

Emancipation is a legal process that allows minors to become independent of their parents or legal guardians before reaching the age of majority. The process grants the minor certain rights, such as signing contracts, obtaining a driver’s license, and working without the need for a work permit. Emancipation is not an easy process. It requires a petition, evidence, and notice of a hearing to the minor’s parents or legal guardians. Before undergoing the emancipation process, you should consider whether emancipation is the best option for your situation.<\/p>\r\n

Should You Get Emancipated?<\/h2>\r\n

Many a teenager fantasizes about living on their own. But in reality, the day-to-day responsibilities of being independent can be overwhelming, even for seasoned adults. This doesn’t mean there aren’t good reasons for moving out and getting emancipated. But minors must weigh the pros and cons<\/a> while making an honest assessment of their needs.<\/p>\r\n

So before you pursue the process, you should ask whether you should get emancipated in the first place. Before deciding, consider the following:<\/p>\r\n