A minor requesting to become legally emancipated happens in Texas family courts more than you might think. And there are many benefits for someone who wishes to follow through with this process. If successful, a person under 18 who becomes an emancipated minor can be granted the ability to make decisions regarding healthcare, education, finances, work, and where they live. With their parents having no say over what they do moving forward, they even have the choice to enter into legally binding contracts.
But many people wonder, is there a downside? The short answer is yes, though it depends on each person’s unique circumstances.
What Are a Few Common Reasons To Become an Emancipated Minor?
There are many benefits to asking a Texas court for the removal of disabilities of a minority, thus becoming an emancipated minor. This includes living independently, managing their income, making their own healthcare decisions, and no longer needing parental consent.
A few reasons why someone may seek this ability include but aren’t limited to the following:
- Unsafe or destructive home environment
- To serve as the legal guardian for a sibling
- Financial and tax reasons
- They can prove financial independence
- To secure employment or to conduct a business transaction
- Military enlistment
Here are the requirements for becoming an emancipated minor.
That said, a minor who is emancipated becomes a legal adult — with some restrictions. As a result, there can be a downside. For starters, the parents are no longer obligated to support their child. That means the minor is responsible for their welfare, financial debts, and decisions, and nothing protects them from being sued in court.
Additional cons to being an emancipated minor include:
- Parents aren’t obligated to support the child
- No protection if sued in court
- Costs associated can become expensive
- Hard feelings between family members
As is the case with most decisions in life, you must carefully weigh the pros and cons before moving forward. This is especially true with any legal matter, whether you have chosen to go down that path or feel it is your only option.
Please call Christman | Daniell for your legal needs today!
Looking for family law services in Collin County, Texas? Christman | Daniell is your premier choice. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the legal landscape, our skilled team is dedicated to helping families navigate complex legal matters. Whether it’s divorce, child custody, or adoption, trust Christman | Daniell to provide compassionate and effective representation for all your family law needs throughout Collin County.
Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation. The material on this website and in this or any blog article we publish are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. The attorneys at Christman | Daniell believe in tailoring legal advice and solutions to your own personal circumstances.
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