How to Get Emancipated in Mississippi
The legal age of emancipation (legal release from parental control and support) in Mississippi is 21, in contrast to 18 or 19 in most of the rest of the country. There is no state legal provision for earlier emancipation at the request of the minor, the more traditional understanding of emancipation. Mississippi legal precedent has evolved from cases brought by parents who seek to end their obligation to support a minor child. A child seeking emancipation from parental control in Mississippi must prove state residency, full-time income and financial self-sufficiency, at a minimum.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Proof of Mississippi residence
- Proof of full-time employment
- Proof of marriage
- Military enlistment documentation
Instructions
-
-
1
Contact a family advocate, family law specialist or the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Explain your situation and why you are seeking emancipation. These experts can help you determine whether or not you have a case worth pursuing.
-
2
Obtain, and provide to your legal representative, official notarized documents proving 1) you no longer live with a custodial parent, 2) you are legally married, 3) you have joined the military, or 4) you are working full-time, can support yourself and no longer live at home. The more of these criteria you meet, the greater the chances a Mississippi judge will consider your request.
-
-
3
Appear before a judge in family court to officially request emancipation. Either you or your legal representative must present all the facts that support your request, along with the documentation outlined in Step 2.
-
4
Inform both your legal representative and the judge if your custodial parent is abusive. Although abuse is not in itself a guarantee of emancipation in Mississippi, it may influence the judge's decision in your favor.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Obtain legal advice prior to seeking emancipation in Mississippi, since it is not easy for a minor to win a favorable ruling without significant cause. Legal representation in court is also strongly encouraged to ensure your case is correctly presented and appropriate documentation provided.
Do not seek emancipation for frivolous or vague reasons, such as not getting along with your parents or not liking their rules or curfew. Getting pregnant or having a baby is also not considered cause for emancipation and may actually work against you.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
