Emancipation of a Child
New Jersey Emancipation Attorneys with 60+ Years’ Combined Experience
Emancipation of a minor child occurs when the child is no longer legally considered to be under the care and dependence of a parent. This means that the child is not eligible for any financial support, including child support, from a parent. Only a court can officially declare a child emancipated, and all circumstances of the family and the child’s best interests will be considered when making this decision.
If you need help with an emancipation case, discuss the matter with our New Jersey emancipation lawyers at Burnham Douglass Attorneys at Law. We are prepared to guide you through the entire process, reviewing all of your available options and answering any questions you may have along the way.
How Is Emancipation Determined by a Court?
In New Jersey, there is no specific age at which a minor child is officially declared emancipated. Contrary to popular belief, turning 18 does not automatically activate emancipation. Rather, the court must make this decision by looking at proof that the child is truly independent and that the emancipation order is sound.
When determining emancipation, courts will look at:
- If the child is financially self-supportive
- If the child is living independently
- If the child demonstrates maturity as an adult
- If the child is capable of fulfilling their own needs and interests
If a child has petitioned to be emancipated, parents can contest the petition if they believe it would not be in the child’s best interests. Once a child is emancipated, child support obligations are no longer in effect, unless there is an existing child support debt, which must be paid off.
Discuss Your Case at No Cost with a New Jersey Emancipation Lawyer at Burnham Douglass Attorneys at Law
At Burnham Douglass Attorneys at Law, we understand how delicate emancipation cases are for your family. We want to help you make decisions that are right for you, your child, and their future. Our team of New Jersey family emancipation attorneys can guide you through the process, step by step, providing you with trusted legal support along the way.
To contact us online, click here. Or, you can reach us by dialing 856-751-5505. We proudly offer our legal services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
