{"id":351838,"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\/rights-privileges-and-duties-of-emancipation.html"},"modified":"2025-02-21T11:46:00","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T16:46:00","slug":"rights-privileges-and-duties-of-emancipation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/emancipation-of-minors\/rights-privileges-and-duties-of-emancipation.html","title":{"rendered":"Rights, Privileges, and Duties of Emancipation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Rights, Privileges, and Duties of Emancipation<\/h1>\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\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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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Emancipation is a huge step for a minor child. Legally emancipated children must assume adult responsibilities, like ensuring they have shelter and medical care.  Emancipation rights, privileges duties will vary from state-to-state. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

A minor may be emancipated<\/a> through a court process that allows the minor to become self-sufficient. Upon emancipation, the minor assumes adult responsibilities before reaching the age of majority. This is usually 18 years of age but varies by state. This also means that the emancipated child is no longer under the care of their parents.<\/p>\r\n

Similarly, the parents are no longer expected to support the child in any way. This includes providing shelter, medical care, health care, or money. The minor no longer needs parental consent for binding contracts. Child support ends when a minor is emancipated.<\/p>\r\n

Along with the freedom that emancipation may offer comes new rights, privileges, and duties of an adult world. This article discusses these aspects of emancipation.<\/p>\r\n

A Brief Introduction to the Emancipation Process<\/h2>\r\n

Once given an emancipated status, minors have the same rights, privileges, and duties in society as adults. Depending on state law, emancipation can be automatic<\/a>. This can happen if the minor joins the armed forces or gets married. Otherwise, minors must get the family court to grant their emancipation petition.<\/p>\r\n

Parents may also file a petition for emancipation. The court will then determine if it’s in the best interests of the minor<\/a> to be emancipated. They will look at factors such as the minor’s living situation, if the minor can support themselves financially, and the maturity level of the minor. But, each state’s criteria may differ slightly, so a minor seeking emancipation should check their state resources.<\/p>\r\n

Emancipated Minors’ Rights<\/h3>\r\n

Once given an emancipated status<\/a>, minors have the same rights, privileges, and duties in society as adults. Emancipation means that the minor is no longer under parental control or the control of a legal guardian. <\/p>\r\n

The emancipated minor is a legal adult, with some exceptions. These exceptions include drinking alcohol and obtaining a driver’s license. An emancipated minor can’t quit school before age 16 since federal law requires minors to attend school until that age.<\/p>\r\n

The Effects of Emancipation<\/h2>\r\n

In some cases, the effects of emancipation are also the requirements for emancipation to be granted. For example, emancipation allows minors to live away from their parents. <\/p>\r\n

Once the minor is emancipated, they can typically do the following (depending on state law):<\/p>\r\n