DISCLAIMER ● Is in the custody of law copy of his/her birth The information provided in this enforcement or the State certificate to the court). brochure is meant to be a source of Department of Corrections information only. It is provided to and a parent cannot be ● Proof that he/she is a resident assist juveniles and their parents in located. This type of of the State of Michigan. understanding the procedures required emancipation is for purposes ● Proof of employment or a for emancipating a minor. of consenting to medical It is not legal advice. plan to support himself or treatment only. herself. The minor must provide copies of pay stubs “Emancipation” is a legal status Emancipation by Court Order and also identify all other which allows a minor to exercise his forms of income such as or her own judgment about legal, Before the court orders child support or social social and financial matters. An emancipation, a court hearing must security payments. emancipated minor is not subject to be held. Both parents are entitled to parents’ custody or control. notice of when and where the hearing will be held, and are entitled ● A budget showing all income to be present at the hearing if they and expenses, showing that State laws governing emancipation the minor has adequate are found at MCL 722.1-6. wish to attend. The court can grant an emancipation income. A minor can become emancipated order even if parents object, and can ● Proof of housing, including in two ways: order that parents continue to where he/she intends to live 1) By operation of law or support a child even though and what monthly living 2) By court order emancipation has been ordered. expenses will be. Rent At the court hearing, the judge will receipts or a letter from the Emancipation by determine whether the minor property owner are Operation of Law understands the legal effects of acceptable. emancipation and has demonstrated A minor becomes the ability to manage his or her ● The minor must provide the emancipated when he/she: financial, personal and social affairs. court with information about ● Reaches 18 years old. how his/her medical needs Evidence Required for will be met if he/she is ● Is legally married. Court-Ordered Emancipation emancipated by the court. The following evidence must be ● Is on active duty with the presented by a minor requesting armed forces. emancipation: ● Proof of age (must be at least 16 years old, and provide a A minor’s petition for emancipation must include an affidavit from a EMANCIPATI professional, such as a teacher, school counselor, employer, ON OF A minister, police officer, etc., who is willing to state that emancipation is MINOR in the best interest of the minor and that he/she possesses the maturity and skills to live independently.

School attendance records showing good standing and good attendance will be helpful in establishing the minor can manage his/her own affairs.

Filing Fee: A Guide To There is a $150.00 fee required for filing a petition for emancipation. Help Minors

A minor who wishes to be And Parents emancipated by court order should collect the necessary evidence. Understand the He/she should then contact Laura Apple at (906) 225-8291 to Procedures for schedule an appointment. Emancipation Ms. Applet can provide further information that is needed to Marquette County proceed with emancipation. She can Circuit Court also furnish the appropriate court Family Division forms and assist with scheduling a 234 W. Baraga Avenue hearing in the Family Division of the Marquette, MI 49855 Circuit Court. (906) 225-8280

PUBLIC SERVICE OF Hon. Michael J. Anderegg Family Court Judge