Emancipation Resource Center

Emancipation is a legal process that gives a teenager legal independence from his or her parents or guardians. This process is not available in all states though. 

This can be a needed legal tool for certain teenagers, depending on the circumstances, but you should give it careful thought before moving ahead because there are a lot of considerations:

1. How will your parents or guardians act?
2. Can you support yourself?
3. What happens if it does not work out and you want to return to your parents or guardians?
4. Are you going to try and finish school and can you do this with the added responsibility of taking care of yourself? (Assuming that you did not complete your education)
5. Do you have a steady job with benefits?

Those are some of the things that you have to consider should you choose to move forward with your emancipation.  Here is what you can expect once the process is complete:

• You can buy or rent your own place to live along with any property, although your credit probably won't be good enough to buy quite yet.  The responsibility for paying your home and other associate bills is your responsibility.
• You may get medical care without your parents' permission but you will have the responsibility for paying for your services received.  This could get costly without an insurance plan unless your job offers one.
• You can sign legal contracts in your own name.
• You can sue other people and you can also be sued as an adult by others.
• You are no longer under the control of your parents but they will also have no legal obligation to support you financially.  This includes food, clothing, or shelter.
• You may get a driver's or marriage license 
• You can join the armed services without your parents' permission.
• You may enroll in a school or college of your choice without asking your parents.

Below is a listing of all the States.  I have researched the various codes and have included them next to the State's name for your convenience.   If emancipation is available in that particular State you may click on the link next to the State law to read the requirements.

Apply for your emancipation through one of our legal service attorneys in your area.