My son is 18. He went to live with his father just before he turned 16. His Paternal grandparents have talked him into this. They have told him this way he can got to a trade college and not have to get a student loan!! I don't know anything about emancipation yet, but isn't that just a backwards way to cheat the system? Not to mention yourself out of great health insurance? I am finally not the bad guy in his life now what do I do? He just listens and trusts in them too much.

At 18, he is legally an adult. No need for emancipation.

Nope, he can't be emancipated. He's already 18. Emancipation is for children under 18, and they have to have a job and can prove that they can live on their own. It's a tough and long process to become emancipated.

It also won't affect his ability to get student loans. He is going to be required to declare both parents on his financial aid forms for the next few years... 23 if I remember correctly.

What is wrong with a trade school? My father happened to have gone through a trade school and is still working in the Charpentry profession and his health insurance is great (better than mine actually). As already mentioned he is already an adult there is no need to look into emancipation. I'm really not sure what your question is could you clarify it for me?