Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Florida Emancipation Laws

A 17 year old girl wishes to emancipate herself with the knowledge that her parents will fully contest. The minor is in a house with an alcoholic father and co-dependant mother. The father has been reported in the past for being abusive and is still continuing to do so via mental, emotional methods. The mother is completely lost in her touch on reality and is governed by the father. what can she do? Also the minor in question has also been charged with care of her 20 year old mentally challenged sister. Currently they are keeping her in isolation from everyone and everything since she has brought up the word ''emancipation''.


Asked on 5/19/09, 9:08 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Mark Hanks Attorney Hanks, P.A.

Re: Florida Emancipation Laws

Emancipation means the ability to financially support oneself, so that one can live independently of his or her parents. Other than celebreties, most 17 year olds do not have a full time job, and do not have the financial resources to live independently, so emancipation cases are rare.

Mark Hanks

Attorney Hanks PA

St. Petersburg, FL

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Answered on 5/19/09, 10:00 am
Katy Bost Law Office of Katy Bost

Re: Florida Emancipation Laws

If the 17 year old is being abused, neglected and/or abandoned (which is what it sounds like to me), PLEASE call the child abuse hotline and report. You can report anonymously if you wish. The number is 1-800-96-ABUSE. If the child needs to be removed from the home, DCF should look to a close appropriate relative or friend first for placement. Feel free to contact my office concerning this matter.

Is this child in school?

If you chose not to report and would just like more information about emanicipation, feel free to contact my office. Best wishes for this child.

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Answered on 5/19/09, 10:30 am


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