What is the age of majority in New Jersey? Can I seek emancipation as a minor?
18. Reaching the age of 18 is prima facie proof of emancipation, but not conclusive proof. As noted, a court will usually not emancipate a child if he or she is in college. A parent who is filing a motion for emancipation has the burden of proving the facts to support it. Ribner v. Ribner, 290 N.J. 66 (App. Div. 1997). Factors determining whether a child has obtained an independent status include: (a) the child’s needs; (b) the child’s interests; (c) the child’s independent resources; (d) the family’s reasonable expectations; (e) the parties’ financial ability; and (f) any relevant factor.
