Can a 16-year-old child who is living alone get emancipation from his parents who have abandoned him?

Full question:

I am 16 years old and living alone because my parents abandoned me. Can I get emancipated from my parents in Iowa?

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

Answer:

Yes. In Iowa, a minor who is at least 16 years old may petition the Juvenile Court to be emancipated. Further, an emancipated child can make decisions as to where he or she will live and would also be responsible for supporting himself or herself. The IA Code § 232C.1enumerates the requirements needed for a minor to be emancipated:

“1. A minor who desires to become emancipated may file a petition for an order of emancipation in juvenile court if all of the following apply:
a. The minor is sixteen years of age or older.
b. The minor is a resident of this state.
c. The minor is not in the care, custody, or control of the state.
2. A petition filed pursuant to this section shall contain the following:
a. The petitioner s name, mailing address, and date of birth.
b. The name and mailing address of the petitioner s parents or legal guardian.
c. Specific facts to support the petition including but not limited to the following:
(1) The minor has demonstrated financial self-sufficiency, including proof of employment or other means of support, which does not include assistance or subsidies from a federal, state, or local governmental agency.
(2) The minor has demonstrated an ability to manage the personal affairs of the minor.
(3) The minor has demonstrated an ability and commitment to obtain and maintain education, vocational training, or employment.
(4) Any other information considered necessary to support the petition.
d. Any one of the following:
(1) Documentation that the minor has been living on the minor’s own for at least three consecutive months.
 
(2) A statement explaining the reasons the minor believes the home of the minor s parents or legal guardian is not a healthy or safe environment.
(3) A notarized statement that contains written consent to emancipation by the minor s parents or legal guardian.
3. The court shall hold a hearing on the petition within ninety days of the filing of the petition. Notice of the hearing, with a copy of the petition attached, shall be served by personal service on the minor s parent or legal guardian at least thirty days prior to the hearing date. Any other parties shall be notified as provided by the rules of civil procedure for service of an original notice.
4. The minor may participate in the court proceedings on the minor s own behalf, or may be represented by the minor s own counsel, or the court may appoint a guardian ad litem on behalf of the minor.”