Legal Emancipation
If the client is emotionally and socially mature,
she may need to become legally “emancipated”
and obtain her own housing. A minor may
obtain a court declaration of emancipation if all
of the following are true:
• She is 14 years or older.
• She is living apart from her parents with
parental consent or they are not formally
protesting the arrangement.
• She is managing her own financial affairs
and her income is legally obtained (not
through criminal activity).
She is also considered emancipated if:
• She has entered into a valid marriage, even
if she is currently divorced.
• She is on active duty in the armed forces.
• The court considers emancipation in her
best interest.
For more information, refer her to a legal
resource that specializes in services to minors;
see Legal/Advocacy Guidelines in this chapter.