Most people don’t hear the term emancipated minor very often. And if they do, it’s usually in reference to Hollywood child stars who, for various personal and business reasons, choose to split from their parents and are granted the legal capacity of an adult through a court process. There have been plenty of these high-profile cases over the years, including Drew Barrymore, Macaulay Culkin, and Ariel Winter, to name a few. But the notion that being emancipated is strictly for celebrities couldn’t be further from the truth.
A minor requesting to become legally emancipated happens in Texas family courts more than you might think. And if successful, a person under 18 can be granted the ability to make their own decisions regarding healthcare, education, finances, work, where they live, and even the choice to enter into legally binding contracts. Their parents lose all legal authority over their life.
Below are a few common reasons why someone might choose to be an emancipated minor:
- Unsafe or bad 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
Pursuing emancipation as a minor is not to be taken lightly
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. That said, a child who is emancipated basically becomes a legal adult — with some restrictions.
As a result, the parents are no longer obligated to support their child. The minor is responsible for their own financial debts and decisions, and nothing protects them from being sued in court.
What are the requirements for becoming an emancipated minor?
A minor may petition to be an emancipated minor if the minor is:
- A Texas resident;
- Self-supporting and managing their own financial affairs; and
- Seventeen years old, or 16 years old, and living separate and apart from the minor’s parents, managing conservator, or guardian.
Please call Christman Daniell Attorneys, for your legal needs today!
Looking for expert family law services in Collin County, Texas? Christman Daniell Attorneys is your premier choice. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the legal landscape in cities like Allen, Anna, Blue Ridge, Carrollton, Celina, Colleyville, Dallas, Fairview, Farmersville, Frisco, Garland, Josephine, Lavon, Lowry Crossing, Lucas, McKinney, Melissa, Murphy, Nevada, New Hope, Parker, Plano, Princeton, Prosper, Richardson, Royse City, Sachse, Saint Paul, Van Alstyne, Weston, and Wylie, our skilled team is dedicated to helping families navigate complex legal matters. Whether it’s divorce, child custody, or adoption, trust Christman Daniell Attorneys 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 Attorneys, believe in tailoring legal advice and solutions to your own personal circumstances.
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