Emancipation
Any minor who is at least sixteen years of age can ask the family division
of the circuit court to be freed from the supervision and control of his
or her parents. This is called emancipation. Once an emancipation order
is granted, the minor will have the same rights and responsibilities as
an adult. An emancipated minor, however, will not automatically be entitled
to do certain things such as vote or legally drink alcoholic beverages.
Age requirements established by law for certain acts are still enforced.
Only minors who are at least sixteen years old can request an emancipation
order.
To obtain an emancipation order, the minor must file a petition requesting
an emancipation with the family division of the circuit court. At
the hearing, the minor must prove that he or she can be self- supporting
without relying on public assistance. If the minor's legal parents object
to the emancipation, the minor must prove that he or she is not receiving
any parental support.
Parents of a minor who has been legally emancipated are still obligated
to support the minor, but are not held responsible for any debts incurred
by the minor during the emancipation period.
2/99
Additional resources on this topic
"Support of Minors and Emancipation"
This pamphlet is used in the Calhoun and Kalamazoo County probate courts.
The content was developed by Kalamazoo County Probate Judge James Casey.
The material discusses the requirements for emancipation and how emancipation
affects the rights and obligations of the minor. 9-13-95
"You and the Law"
This booklet was prepared by the State Bar of Michigan. The material
is written for minors and deals with legal issues affecting them. 1992
007
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Last updated 2-18-99
Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161
E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 or e mail to pharter@calhouncountymi.gov