Minor emancipation can be a path to future success

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Family Law on Thursday, May 24, 2018.

One woman’s journey to successful pageant queen started with less than ideal beginnings. She lacked support from her parents and needed to do many things for herself for which children are not typically responsible. At 16, she was granted a minor emancipation and was able to take more control of her life. Individuals in Missouri may find the details of the woman’s story inspiring.

Although the woman says she harbors no resentment toward her parents, she was able to recognize that she wasn’t getting the support she needed. Her emancipation request was granted. After that, she was able to legally sign contracts for herself and be considered an adult. She used her newfound freedom to graduate from high school early, join the Army National Guard and graduate from college. Now, she is a successful pageant queen.

Emancipation laws vary by state, and they are typically rarely granted. Usually, an agreement is made between the child and the parents before the emancipation proceeding is completed. The orders are typically granted when it is in the child’s best interest and the child has shown a reasonable ability to provide care for themselves.

In Missouri, an individual may seek minor emancipation if his or her parents are not able to provide support to the child and that child is interested in taking legal responsibility for his or herself. Since the child will probably be required to demonstrate his or her ability to maintain themselves as an adult, he or she may require additional help. An experienced family law attorney can provide helpful guidance in this type of proceeding.

Source: pressherald.com, “Facing adversity as a youth, Miss Maine USA took charge of her life on way to national pageant“, Ray Routhier, May 21, 2018

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