Full question:
I'm 16 years old and I still live with my parents in Dayton. I've dropped out of high school and I earn enough money through blogs and youtube videos to support myself. Am I emancipated?
- Category: Minors
- Subcategory: Emancipation of Minor
- Date:
- State: Ohio
Answer:
Typically, in all states, minors are under the control of their parents or legal guardians, until they attain the age of majority. On the attainment of the age of majority, they become legal adults. In Ohio, the age of majority is set out in ORC Ann. 3109.01 which reads:“All persons of the age of eighteen years or more, who are under no legal disability, are capable of contracting and are of full age for all purposes.”
In the present case, given the age, he is a minor who has not attained the age of majority and will be under parental control. Although, having said that the law does provide a legal measure for minors who are under parental to separate themselves from it and be legally treated as adults. This happens through the process of emancipation. The courts, on a case by case basis, analyzes the facts and circumstances in the best interest of the minor and may grant a decree of emancipation. The factors or criteria used to determine if emancipation is in the minor's best interests that are commonly taking into account are:
1. Financial stability of the Minor to support themselves currently and in the future
2. Arrangement for living apart from parents
3. The maturity of the minor to make adequately make decisions for themselves
4. Educational Qualification (attending school or has received diploma)
5. The maturity of the minor to function as an adult in society and be held liable for his/her action.
2. Arrangement for living apart from parents
3. The maturity of the minor to make adequately make decisions for themselves
4. Educational Qualification (attending school or has received diploma)
5. The maturity of the minor to function as an adult in society and be held liable for his/her action.
In the given instance, the simple answer is no, you cannot be considered emancipated. You have no court order granting you a decree of emancipation. Having a separate source of income or living separately does not automatically grant emancipation.
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.
