How To

How to Prevent Your Child From Becoming Emancipated

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(7 Ratings)

Emancipation occurs when your child moves out and gains legal recognition as an adult. To prevent this from happening, do all you can to maintain a friendly, easy and communicative relationship.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Understand that for a child to become emancipated, he or she must live independently, with direct or implied consent from a parent and the sanction of the court. When a child is emancipated, the parent loses all control and rights over the child. The child becomes adult in the eyes of the law, as far as the right to manage his or her own affairs.

  2. Step 2

    Know that to prevent an emancipation you should never agree to let your child live outside your home.

  3. Step 3

    Stay involved in your child's life. Have contact with the school, the child's friends and employer (if any).

  4. Step 4

    Do not allow your child to make his or her own rules.

  5. Step 5

    Remain in control of your household and child.

  6. Step 6

    Refuse to allow the child to live alone or with anyone else, without the express understanding that you are remaining in control of the child and want him or her to reside temporarily elsewhere.

  7. Step 7

    Tell a judge you do not consent, should a court proceeding be started.

  8. Step 8

    Seek assistance from a therapist or counselor if you feel your child is slipping away from you.

  9. Step 9

    Talk to your child. This is the single most important thing you can do to prevent emancipation. Listen to your child and try to find solutions to the problems your child is experiencing.

  10. Step 10

    Maintain your relationship with your child and be ready to be flexible to accommodate his or her growing needs, while still maintaining standards for the household.

Tips & Warnings
  • Understand that if your child runs away and is 16 or 17, there may be very little you can do to force the child to remain at home. Should this happen you will need the assistance of a therapist.
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