How do you emancipate a 17-year-old rebellious child?

Answer 1

With your permission your child can do just about anything he wishes. However, you will have a legal responsibility to care for him if he needs it. If your state has early emancipation laws, then you could petition the court, and with your permission, and provided that he is capable of fully supporting himself, emancipation would likely be granted. Unless he's been in trouble with the law, which is generally an indication to the court that the child is in need of supervision. If emancipation is granted by the court then you would no longer have any responsibility for the child. Just be aware that I'm speaking in general terms here, because you did not advise which state you live in. You need to check the laws of your state.

Answer 2

Generally speaking, parents are responsible for their children until they reach the age of majority. A parent cannot simply emancipate their child, leaving that child with no means of support. However, if the child wants to be emancipated and meets the requirements for it, such as having the ability to fully support theirself, then that's different. If the child is truly beyond your control, I'd suggest that you make some phone calls--maybe to the local police deparment or the Department of Social Services-- and see if there are any programs that might provide you with some assistance. It may be possible to have the child declared a 'child in need of services' or an 'at risk youth' or something similar in which the court would intervene and attempt to help you get this child back under control. I really know very little about the requirements for these types of programs (as well as not knowing the exact details of your situation or the state that you live in), so I can't provide you with much information, but hopefully either DSS or the police deparment will be able to advise you. Good luck!

Answer 3

Not all states have laws that allow emancipation of minors, those that do have the minimum age set at sixteen. The issue of having a minor removed the from parental custody is unlikely without there being substantiated evidence of endangerment, neglect and/or abuse, then it would come under the jurisdiction of the state's DFS or CPS division. Those states that allow emancipation of minors arbitrarily, always require the minor to file the petition with the court, pay all filing and court fees, and present the required documentation proving they can conduct their life without adult intervention, before the granting of emancipation rights are considered. If the issue concerns a younger child whose well-being is being jeopardized by the parent a report can be made to the state social services. Another option is for a qualified adult to apply for legal guardianship of the minor, any person can file the petition and the judge will decide if the request has merit and should be granted.