Until the age of 18, minors are under the legal guardianship of their parents or other relatives. There are certain situations, however, when it’s in a teen’s best interest to start living independently before their 18th birthday. If you are considering teen emancipation, below is information about what that entails and the process involved. 

What Is Emancipation?

Emancipation is a process that allows minors to become adults in the eyes of the law, severing legal ties with parents. As they are no longer under someone else’s guardianship, an emancipated teen is responsible for their own finances and generating an income to pay for the cost of living. As adults, they must also make decisions regarding their medical care and are found legally responsible for upholding any contracts signed. 

Reasons to Seek Teen Emancipation

It can be difficult for some teenagers to juggle school and personal lives with work and other adult responsibilities. That’s why becoming emancipated is a decision to weigh carefully. Emancipation is often desirable when a minor is financially independent, married, lives in a neglectful or dangerous household, or has been asked to leave the family home.

What the Legal Process Entails

If the legal guardian gives their consent, a minor could bypass the court process to become emancipated. Getting married and joining the military are also ways to have parents relinquish legal guardianship. Otherwise, minors must file a declaration of emancipation through the judicial system. The courts will review the case and determine whether the minor can financially support themselves and make responsible decisions. Whether they have a place to live and are attending school also factor into the judgment. During the hearing, a minor can discuss the conditions of their home life and any other reasons to serve as evidence of why they are seeking emancipation. 

If you want to start the emancipation process, contact the attorneys at Kleveland Law Offices for assistance. For over 30 years, residents in the Lincoln, NE, area have turned to the law firm for help with guardianship matters. To schedule a consultation with the family lawyers, call (402) 477-7776 or visit the law firm online to learn more about the types of cases they handle.