How Do You Become An Emancipated Minor?
Emancipation is a process that allows people under the age of 18 to be treated as adults. The court will consider a petition for emancipation after receiving legal documents from you and hearing your testimony and that of witnesses at an official hearing. Considerations for the court to weigh include your age, your maturity level, your income from employment, the value of your assets, any legal proceedings you have previously been involved in (such as criminal proceedings) and your parents’ opinions as to whether you should become emancipated. Generally, filing fees are not imposed, and you may be able to request a waiver of court costs. Contracts entered into by emancipated minors may be enforceable in court. The emancipation process culminates when a judge issues a final order after the hearing. Step 1 Obtain your parents’ consent to become emancipated–if they will grant it–and their approval of a proposed marriage, if applicable. (Some states allow people younger than 18 to get ma
