WHAT DOES A MINOR GAIN FROM EMANCIPATION?
For many young people, it is simply not practical or safe to remain in their parents’ custody. This may be the case for a number of reasons, from financial and educational reasons to matters of individual autonomy. Minors who pursue emancipation enjoy many privileges of adulthood, but may also face more responsibilities and legal consequences than other minors.
Upon emancipation, minors may
- Get married to a partner
- Dictate medical care for themselves
- Live apart from their parents
- Earn and manage their own income
- Receive or purchase real estate and other property
- Enroll in schools or training programs
- Enter into legally binding contracts
- Sue another party or defend themselves in a lawsuit
It is also important to remember that emancipated minors may not supersede existing age restriction laws. For instance, an emancipated minor may choose to work in a place that serves alcohol, but may not legally drink alcohol until he or she reaches the legal age to do so.
Emancipated minors are also solely responsible for their actions, and cannot depend on their parents to bear any responsibility for damages or other legal consequences they incur. If an emancipated minor receives criminal charges, it is important to build a strong legal defense as soon as possible, to protect his or her future rights and opportunities.
If you or someone you love faces a decision about pursuing emancipation, it is important to understand the issues at stake and the tools you have to protect your rights. As an emancipated minor, you may have many more complications than you anticipate, and it is always useful to have a legal professional in your corner, to advise you of your rights and help you navigate the many complexities of modern living.
Source: FindLaw, “Rights, Privileges, and Duties of Emancipation,” accessed Feb. 20, 2018
