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Minors
Since I’m a minor, can I legally move out of my parents’ house and live alone?

Since I’m a minor, can I legally move out of my parents’ house and live alone?

Q: Do kid actors get paid?

Yes, kid actors do get paid for their work in film, television, and theater. Payment varies based on the project, the child's experience, and the role. In California, child actors' earnings are regulated to ensure a portion is saved for their future, typically managed in a trust account.

Q: Who is the highest paid kid actor?

As of recent reports, the highest-paid child actors can earn millions per project. The specific title may change frequently, but actors like Millie Bobby Brown and Jacob Tremblay have been among the top earners in recent years due to their successful roles in popular television shows and films.

Q: How much does a child get paid for a movie?

A child actor's pay for a movie can range significantly, often from $1,000 to $10,000 per day, depending on the film's budget and the child's role. For larger productions, this amount can increase substantially, especially for lead roles. Payment is often negotiated through their talent agency.

Full question:

I’m a 15-year-old living with my parents in Los Angeles, California. I am one of the main actors in a successful television show and is paid well. My parents want me to start focusing on school but I want to continue acting. My parents gave me an ultimatum to either quit acting or move out of their house. Since I’m a minor, can I legally move out of my parents’ house and live alone?

Category: Minors
Subcategory: Emancipation of Minor
Date: 04/07/2025
State: California

Answer:

The age of majority in California is 18. However, emancipation is a legal process by which a minor can be legally free from their parents or guardians. A minor who is emancipated has the same rights and duties as an adult. In California, a minor may be emancipated by a court declaration of emancipation under the Emancipation of Minors Law, California Family Code 7000.

According to California law, to be declared emancipated by a judge, a minor has to fulfill all of the following requirements:

The minor must be at least 14 years old.
The minor must be willing to live apart from their parents, with the parents’ permission or the parents must not be actively trying to get the guardianship of the minor back.
The minor can manage their own finances.
The minor’s source of income does not come from any illegal activity.
Emancipation is in the minor’s best interest.

In order to get emancipated, the minor needs to fill and complete certain forms from the court clerk’s office as well as file a petition for declaration of emancipation of minor in the county in which the minor live in. Once a minor is emancipated, the parents of the emancipated minor do not have custody over the minor and the minor can do certain things without parental permission, like getting medical care, applying for a work permit, and sign up for school or college. However, an emancipated minor must go to school, must get parental permission before getting married, and will go to juvenile court if they break the law.

Here, the best recourse seems to be to file a declaration of emancipation of minor in the county in which you live, so that a judge can emancipate you.

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

Do child actors get their money?

Yes, child actors typically receive their earnings directly, but the money is often managed in a trust account until they reach adulthood. In California, the Coogan Law protects a portion of a child actor's earnings, ensuring that 15% of their income is set aside for their future. This law aims to prevent parents from mismanaging or misusing the child's earnings.

How much can a 12 year old actor make?

The earnings of a 12-year-old actor can vary widely based on the role, the production budget, and the actor's experience. On average, child actors can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per episode in television, and potentially more for film roles. However, specific amounts depend on the project and the actor's negotiation.

How do I get my child into acting and modeling?

To get your child into acting and modeling, start by researching local acting schools or workshops. Consider enrolling them in classes to build skills and confidence. You can also seek representation from a talent agency that specializes in child actors. Additionally, encourage your child to audition for local theater productions or student films to gain experience.