Full question:
I am a 16-year-old girl living in Alaska. My dad recently passed away due to terminal cancer. My stepmom started mentally abusing me after my dad’s death and I got sick and tired of it. I left home and have a part time job to support myself. Can I cut ties with my stepmom and legally live on my own?
- Category: Minors
- Subcategory: Emancipation of Minor
- Date:
- State: Alaska
Answer:
Yes, in Alaska, you can pursue legal independence. While the age of majority is eighteen, a minor aged sixteen or older can petition the superior court for emancipation. To be granted emancipation, you must demonstrate that it is in your best interest, that you are living separately from your stepmom, and that you can support yourself financially.
According to Alaska Stat. Ann. § 25.20.010, a person reaches adulthood at eighteen and has control over their actions and financial matters. Additionally, Alaska Stat. Ann. § 09.55.590 allows minors who are at least sixteen, living apart from their parents or guardians, and capable of self-support to petition for emancipation. The petition must include your name, age, address, details about your parents or guardians, and reasons for seeking emancipation.
If you file the petition, you typically need consent from your living parent or guardian. However, if they are unavailable or refuse to consent unreasonably, the court may waive this requirement. The court will also consider whether your noncustodial parent can take custody.
If the court finds that emancipation serves your best interests, it may grant your request, allowing you to live independently and manage your own affairs.
Users can search for state-specific legal templates at .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.