Can a 17 year old mother be emancipated in Indiana?

Full question:

Can a 17 year old girl with child who is not working and going to an alternative school be emancipated?

  • Category: Minors
  • Subcategory: Emancipation of Minor
  • Date:
  • State: Indiana

Answer:

In Indiana, a juvenile court can partially or completely emancipate a child if certain conditions are met. According to Indiana Code, the court may grant emancipation if it finds that the child:

  1. wishes to be free from parental control and no longer needs that control;
  2. has sufficient funds for their own support;
  3. understands the consequences of emancipation;
  4. has a viable plan for independent living.

These criteria are outlined in Indiana Code § 31-34-20-6.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Alternatives to emancipation for a minor include seeking support from family or friends, enrolling in programs that provide assistance for young parents, or obtaining legal guardianship. Additionally, a minor can explore options like living with a relative or applying for government assistance programs designed for young families. These alternatives can help provide stability without the need for full legal independence.