Emancipation of a Minor

Emancipation is the process by which a guardianobey his or her parents is replaced by the minor's
relinquishes - or is made to relinquish - parental controlobligation to support his or her spouse.
over a minor (that is, someone under the age of 18).Abuse
The child then gains certain rights which are usuallyThe third common reason for the emancipation of a
reserved for adults, thought not all of them. Thereminor is continued domestic abuse. Repeated abuse
are several situations under which a minor may wishform a parent is usually grounds for emancipation if
to seek emancipation, or when a parent may wish tothe child is supporting himself or herself. If the child is
have them emancipated for practical reasons.too young for this, he or she is usually remanded into
However, until a court legally grants an emancipation,the custody of the state. The decision of a court to
the child is still legally subject to the rules andallow a child emancipation due to abuse is very
guidance of their parent or guardian.dependent on the circumstances of the case. If you
Military Servicebelieve you have a right to emancipation, it can help
The first common way a minor in the United Statesto discuss your case with a family lawyer before
can become emancipated is by joining the military.proceeding.
This is an issue of practicality, as once a minor is aFiling for Emancipation
member of the US armed forces, he or she isThe laws regarding how a minor obtains emancipation
ultimately answerable to the government, not his orvary by state, although there is plenty of common
her parents. However, for a minor to join the militaryground. The minor must file a petition with the court,
in the first place, the approval of the parents iswhich usually requires proving an adequate reason for
required. In this sense, it is a sort of transfer ofseeking independence. The filer must also prove
responsibility, from parent to government.economic independence. Finally, except in cases of
Marriageabuse, the minor must prove parental consent.
Like military service, a minor becoming married makesIf you or someone you love has questions about
parental responsibility impractical. Also like militaryemancipation law, visit the San Jose divorce lawyers
service, a marriage requires the guardian to agree toof the Law Office of Daniel Jensen.
the minor getting married. The duty of a minor to