What are the requirements to become emancipated?
Full Question:
Answer:
Emancipation is when a minor has achieved independence from his or her parents, such as by getting married before reaching age 18 or by becoming fully self-supporting. It may be possible for a child to petition a court for emancipation to free the minor child from the control of parents and allow the minor to live on his/her own or under the control of others. It usually applies to adolescents who leave the parents' household by agreement or demand.
Some of the most common methods for a minor to become emancipated include marriage, reaching the age of majority, entering military service, or by court order. A parent may also formally or informally agree to give up some or all of his/her parental control. For example, a parent might consent to allowing a child to establish a separate household. Generally, parental consent is required, except in cases of parental misconduct that causes the minor to leave the home.
Eighteen is the age of majority in Minnesota. However, Minnesota Statutes do not provide either the grounds or a procedure for emancipation. Minnesota case law has established that a minor can possibly be emancipated by a legal marriage or by parental consent. For a child age 16 or older who is the subject of a child in need of protection petition, the juvenile court may authorize an independent living situation for the child that is the equivalent of emancipation.
