Emancipation ends the legal authority that a parent has over a child who is under 18. After emancipation, your parent doesn’t have to take care of you or pay for things that you need. Emancipation changes your life. You will have some new rights and also some new responsibilities.

When Can You Get a Judge to Emancipate You?

You have to be at least 14 and living away from home. Your parents have to agree with your decision. They could also decide not to fight you in court. You have to have a legal income that pays for food, clothes, and rent. The judge has to decide that emancipation is best for you.