What is the process of legal emancipation?
Emancipation is a legal process by which minors can attain legal adulthood before reaching the age at which they would normally be considered adults. Pennsylvania law is not very clear on what it means to be emancipated and what rights this status gives to an individual who is under eighteen. The status of emancipation can mean different things in different circumstances. For example, being emancipated for the purpose of public assistance requires criteria that are different than those required of a minor who seeks emancipation in the eyes of the law in general. The legal status of emancipation generally gives to minors rights that are similar to adults and makes a difference in the acquisition of health care and housing, for example.
