Can an adult legally remove themselves from their family?

Full question:

Is there a law that allows an adult (over the age of 18) to remove themselves from a family legally? I thought emancipation was the way to do that but everything I read on emancipation is related to minors. I want to legally remove myself from my family.

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

Answer:

Emancipation is a legal process that applies only to minors, allowing them to be free from parental custody and control. For adults, there is no formal legal process to completely sever ties with family members, similar to a divorce. However, if an adult has a guardian or conservator, they can follow state procedures to terminate that guardianship. Additionally, a person can disinherit family members in a will to prevent them from inheriting any part of their estate. It's important to note that there are no laws that provide a straightforward method for an adult to legally 'divorce' their family.

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

In most states, emancipation laws allow minors to seek independence from their parents or guardians, but the process typically requires both parents' consent if the minor is under 18. If you wish to be emancipated from one parent, you may need to demonstrate that living with that parent is not in your best interest. Check your state's specific laws for details.