Emancipation of a Bucks County Minor

Bucks County family lawyers will tell you that a lot of emotional and painful issues come across their desk each year.  Emancipation is no difference and can become very complicated.  Emancipation of a minor refers to a child under the age of 18 who legally obtains the status of an adult.

Unlike some other states, there is no specific statute in PA addressing emancipation of a minor.  Rather, certain agencies within the state decide whether or not a child under 18 is emancipated.  Even if emancipation is granted, it does not mean that the person has full adult status.  For instance, that person still would not be able to buy alcohol until age 21. 

Additional Emancipation Issues

A person is considered emancipated if he/she enters military service or gets married.  Marriage under the age of sixteen requires the approval of a county judge or by the written consent of a parent or guardian.  Oral consent by a parent or guardian may be given at the marriage licensing bureau.  An emancipated minor can enter legal contracts, obtain medical and dental care, reside in his/her own domicile, buy and sell property and be responsible for earning his/her own money all without the approval of parents or legal guardians.  If not married or in the military, the determination of being emancipated depends on whether the child resides with or is supported financially by a parent who believes the child should be emancipated and whether or not the child is self sufficient financially.