What Is Emancipation?

Emancipation of a minor allows children under the age of majority to be treated as legal adults. When minors want to be free from parental control, they can seek emancipation through the court system. Some events will automatically emancipate a minor, such as turning 18 (or, in some states, 21). In other situations, a minor may need to get a court order of emancipation.

Emancipation is the process of legally separating from the child’s parents. After emancipation, the parents no longer have a legal or financial responsibility to provide for the child. Emancipation may provide a minor with legal rights and independence, but it can also have downsides. If you have questions about the emancipation process, ask a family law lawyer with experience in emancipation.

What is the Emancipation Process?

The court process for the legal emancipation of a minor depends on the individual state law. The emancipation process, legal rights, limitations, and what events can automatically trigger emancipation depend on state law where the minor resides. Similarly, whether to file in family court, juvenile court, or regular trial court will depend on the jurisdiction.

Some states require minors to prove they can provide for themselves and handle adult responsibilities. This usually can be accomplished by showing the court that the minor has employment, health care, source of income, work permit, financial resources, housing, and the ability to care for themselves. However, even if the court grants emancipation, a minor may still be legally prohibited from participating in certain activities, such as voting or purchasing alcohol, until they reach the legal age.

Automatic Emancipation of a Minor

All states allow for automatic emancipation when a child reaches a certain age. In most states, the automatic age of emancipation is 18 or 19. However, in a few states, the age of emancipation is 21. States may also extend the age of emancipation if the child is attending high school. For example, in California, the age of emancipation is 18 or until the child completes the 12th grade or turns 19, whichever comes first.

Other occurrences may automatically trigger emancipation. In some states, a child is automatically emancipated upon marriage. However, minors may still be subject to minimum age requirements for marriage in their state.

Automatic emancipation of a minor may also occur when they join the armed forces or enter active military duty. The minimum age for joining the U.S. armed forces is 17 years old, with parental consent. However, some branches have different time limits for part-time Reserve and National Guard forces.

Which States Allow the Emancipation of Minors?

All states allow for the emancipation of minors. Generally, emancipation is automatic when the child reaches the age of majority. Most states also allow for emancipation by court order. Emancipation usually begins with filing a petition with a local court. The requirements for filing for emancipation depend on the state laws.

For example, in Florida, a minor can seek emancipation through the courts when they are 16 years old or older. The parents, legal guardians, or a guardian ad litem may file an emancipation petition. When a minor is granted a court order for emancipation, the youth gains most of the rights and responsibilities of an adult. An emancipated minor is considered in control of their affairs but loses the benefits of their parents providing support.

What Rights Does an Emancipated Minor Receive?

An emancipated minor has most of the legal rights and responsibilities of an adult. Emancipated minors can buy and sell property, maintain control of their money, and seek medical care without parental notification. However, even after emancipation, the minor may be restricted from certain age-limit laws, including state and federal restrictions on:

• Voting
• Serving on a jury
• Obtaining a driver’s license
• Drinking alcohol
• Buying lottery tickets
• Buying tobacco
• Buying medical or recreational marijuana
• Getting a marriage license

Can an Emancipated Minor Get a Driver’s License?

Laws for driver’s licenses for minors may depend on the minor’s age or state laws. Generally, a minor is still subject to the minimum age restriction for getting a driver’s license. However, if state vehicle laws require a minor to get their parent’s permission, an emancipated minor does not have to fulfill this requirement. Instead, they provide proof of emancipation.

Financial Aid for Emancipated Minors

Some minors may want to petition for emancipation to get financial aid for college. When a minor fills out the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA), the financial aid award may be based on whether the student is dependent or independent of parental support. An emancipated minor may be considered independent to determine financial aid, which can increase financial aid awards.

Can an Emancipated Minor Be a Legal Guardian?

In some cases, an emancipated minor may be considered a legal guardian. This situation often occurs when an older child becomes the legal guardian of a younger sibling. An older sibling who is still under the age of majority may petition for partial emancipation to become the legal guardian of their brother or sister.

Can an Emancipated Minor Get a Credit Card?

Minors are generally not bound by legal contracts because they are not old enough to consent to enter into legal agreements. However, an emancipated minor generally has the legal right to enter into a contract, including getting a credit card. The minor will be subject to the terms and conditions of the contract, including being liable for repayment subject to interest rates and financial penalties.

Does Marriage Emancipate a Minor?

In some states, marriage automatically emancipates a minor. However, minors may still have to meet the state’s minimum marital age requirement or get permission from their parents before getting married. For example, in Florida, a minor cannot get married without parental consent even if the minor has been emancipated unless the minor female is pregnant and a judge approves the marriage.

How Does Emancipation Affect Child Support?

When parents are ordered by the court to provide child support, the child support orders are generally in place until the child is emancipated. If a minor child becomes emancipated, the child will no longer be eligible to receive financial child support payments. The emancipated child will not legally be able to rely on financial support from their parents, including any financial support for food, shelter, clothing, or medical treatment. For tailored answers to your specific questions about child emancipation and family law in general, contact a local and experienced family law attorney.