Is There a Federal Emancipation Law for Minors?
Full Question:
Answer:
There is no federal emancipation statute. Perhaps you are thinking of emancipation for financial aid purposes.
The following criteria is what the Department of Education uses to classify an applicant an independent student. If you do not meet any of these criteria, then you are classified as a dependent student for FAFSA purposes.
•You are at least 24 years old on the day you file your FAFSA
•You are or will be enrolled in a masters or Doctoral degree program at the beginning of the school year
•You are married on the day you file your FAFSA
•You are a parent
•You have dependents other than your spouse who live with you and who receive more than half their support from you at the time you apply
•Both your parents are deceased (or were until age 18) a ward of dependent of the court
•You are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training
•You're a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
•You were a foster child after the age of 13
•You are an emancipated child as determined by a court judge
•You are homeless or at risk of homelessness as determined by the director of a HUD approved homeless shelter, transitional program, or high school liaison
