How to Allow Your Child to Be Emancipated

A child becomes emancipated when he or she lives independently - usually with parental consent - and a court agrees that this is appropriate.

Things You'll Need

• Attorney

Instructions

1. Understand that when a child becomes emancipated it means the parents are no longer in control of the child. The child has legal standing as an adult.

2. Know that the legal standards for how to become emancipated differ greatly among the states. Consult a lawyer or online law source for state-specific information. Generally a child is emancipated when he or she lives independently and handles his or her own affairs and a court agrees that he or she is mature enough to handle it.

3. Recognize that there is a difference between a child running away or moving out and becoming formally and legally emancipated. A court decree of some sort is involved in a formal emancipation. Usually there is also some sort of implied or direct consent by the parent.

4. Realize that in some states, even if your child becomes emancipated, you will be required to pay him or her child support.

5. Attempt to find another solution before consenting to an emancipation. Allow your child to live with another trusted family member or seek assistance from a therapist. Once an emancipation has occurred, you cannot change your mind.

6. Think about whether you are facing a temporary problem or a long-term lifestyle change. Temporary disagreements will be solved or forgotten. Long-term problems need long-term solutions.

7. Be sure you understand that by consenting to emancipation you are giving up all of your rights as a parent to guide, control or legally intervene for your child.