Emancipation of Children

Some parents might want to have their child handle his or her financial affairs on their own before the child legally becomes and adult at age 18; or the child might want this. In order for this to happen, the child has to be emancipated by the Juvenile Court. This is accomplished by filing a Petition through the Court Service Unit.

• A child who is 16 years of age or older but still under 18 years of age or his/her parent can file a Petition seeking emancipation
• The Juvenile Court can order an investigation of the matter, if it chooses
• The Juvenile Court may enter an order of emancipation under certain conditions such as
  • The child is married
  • The child is on active duty in the armed forces of the U.S.
  • The child willingly lives separate and apart from his/her parents or guardian with the consent or acquiescence of the parents or guardian
  • The child is or is capable of supporting him/herself and can competently manage his/her own financial affairs