Emancipaton law

hotchip17 · Apr 20, 2009, 07:24 PM

I am currently 17 and turning 18 in September. I was wondering if it would be worth getting emancipated. My living conditions are getting worse and I think it would be in my best interest to move out of my house as soon as possible. I have a job working 5 days a week, a place to stay, and also a license.

Fr_Chuck · Apr 20, 2009, 07:43 PM

I doubt you could get emancipated by Sept.

Your job has to earn you enough to pay all your bills, not merely live with someone but be able to pay rent and all bills. Normally they require you to continue your school also.

Are you in danger where you are at ?

hotchip17 · Apr 20, 2009, 09:46 PM

Yes I am aware that I need to be able to support myself, and with a few more hours I can do so. If I can prove to a judge that I can financially support myself and that I have plans for my future would it be worth going through all the trouble to be emancipated. I am having many problems at home that are not new to me but my parents are not physically abusive does this not qualify me to be emancipated

Wondergirl · Apr 20, 2009, 09:50 PM

This is already May. The emancipation process doesn't happen overnight. Why not wait until you turn 18 and move out then?

JudyKayTee · Apr 21, 2009, 06:10 AM

In most States it's not about a place to stay - you have to have your OWN apartment. The Court does not want to emancipate someone who will move in with a friend (particularly a boyfriend), that relationship falls apart, the emancipated person is then homeless.

In NY you can file for emergency emancipation if you are in danger.

You sound like you're working hard and have thought this out - is it possible for you to stay with a relative, unemancipated, until you reach 18? My niece and my sister didn't get along and my niece lived with me until she turned 18. Is that a possibility for you?

ScottGem · Apr 21, 2009, 06:19 AM

As pointed out, unless you are in physical danger, the process to get emancipated would probably take 6 months or more. Courts do not make emancipation easy. So, you would probably be better off saving your time and the expense and just plan for moving out on your 18th birthday.

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