Full question:
I consented for my son to enlist in the military last summer when he turned 17. He is starting boot camp next week (February 23), and will finish it May 22nd, returning on 10 days of leave before going back; he won't turn 18 until July. We live in Pennsylvania. At what specific point is my son legally emancipated from my parental control and responsibility?
- Category: Minors
- Subcategory: Emancipation of Minor
- Date:
- State: Pennsylvania
Answer:
Emancipation is when a minor is legally recognized as an adult. In Pennsylvania, there isn't a specific emancipation law; instead, it depends on the circumstances of each case. A minor may not be automatically considered emancipated just because they have a job or dropped out of school. Additionally, a court's finding of emancipation can change over time based on the situation.
Typically, a minor may be considered emancipated for specific reasons, such as giving medical consent, but this doesn't mean they have full adult rights, like voting or buying alcohol. A minor's emancipation status can fluctuate depending on various factors, including living arrangements, financial support, and parental control.
In Pennsylvania, minors who marry or enlist in the military are generally considered emancipated. However, the exact moment of emancipation when entering military service isn't clearly defined. It often relates to when the minor begins living independently due to their military obligations. Without these actions, the determination of emancipation involves looking at the specific facts of the minor's life.
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.