Emancipation of a 15 Year Old

My question involves guardianship in the State of: Florida.

My mom went to prison for 5 years and I was left to my stepdad who adopted me at a young age. I havnt seen him in almost a month. I basically live with my 17 year old boyfriend who will be 18 on the 18th. Him, his friend, and his other friend and his girlfriend are all getting a place together. My real dad said he would give me money and furniture and whatever I needed. My boyfriends friend has a vehicle I would be able to use to get back and forth from. Im thinking I could move my address to where they live and just take a bus back and from school. Im currently looking for a job. And im thinking that's what ill need to have a stronger case. I just want opinions from you all before I try this. My main questions are What is emancipation really? And how do I get myself there.

Why haven't you seen your stepdad in almost a month?

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What is emancipation really?

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Emancipation is being declared, for all intents, a legal adult, with all of the responsibilities thereof. That means supporting yourself 100%, with no help from anyone. This typically entails maintaining better than average grades while working enough hours to pay market rate rent, utilities, food, insurance, transportation, etc.

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And how do I get myself there.

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Your parents must file the petition.

What's really worrying is that this child is basically shacking up with her boyfriend. Romeo & Juliet laws aside, this is just NOT healthy for a 15 year old.

And before I get jumped on, I DID leave home at 16 and a half, and I was markedly more mature than my peers at that age - and yet I still messed up a lot, and still struggled with day to day life.

Living on your own at a young age is not fun in real life.

Your adopted dad is legally your father, not your step dad. Your "real dad" (I presume you mean your biological father) has NO SAY in the matter. He gave up anything. Depending on the school district's policies, you may or may not be able to continue in the same school even if you move. In addition to all the other help biodad is promissing, you understand that you will have to pay the court filing fees and the fee for the attorney that will be appointed for you. You will need your parents (that's mom and (step) dad) or you will need to serve them notice. Without their consent it will be very difficult.

In addition, Florida won't even consider this application until you turn 16.

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Living on your own at a young age is not fun in real life.

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It's not all that much fun at any age, really. Work, bills, be responsible, blah blah blah.

Florida will not consider a petition for minor emancipation at any age unless the petition is filed by the parent/legal guardian. At 15 if she were to try this she'd be dragged back home (or into foster care) so fast her shoes would smoke.

EVEN IF her legal guardian is willing to sign the petition (once she reaches the minimum age), unless the OP is able to show how SHE, without any help from her "real dad" or her boyfriend, can pay every cent of what it costs to support her (which does NOT include living with her boyfriend and using his car) and provide things like rent receipts, utility bills and pay stubs to show proof of self-support, emancipation is a no-go.

Work out a budget and see how far it won't get you.

Studio Apartment: (www.forrent.com):
Utilities - Electric, Water, Pest Control, Garbage:
Staples: toilet paper, kleenex, toothpaste, floss, trash bags, hand soap, dish soap. trash bags.
Don't forget you need dishes, pots and pans and utensils.
And food.
Medical insurance.
Transportation.
Clothing? It's possible your parent will not let you take anything but the clothes on your back.
Laundrymat?

And the big one....how many hours are you permitted to go to school and work combined? You would need to talk to your school guidance counselor about that....

Florida will NOT emancipate a 15 yo. Period. End of Story.
Florida MIGHT emancipate a minor with a non-consenting parent but it requires service and it has to be a pretty good cause.
Abuse is not a reason. We don't emancipate abused children, we find alternative placement for them.

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Quoting flyingron

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Florida will NOT emancipate a 15 yo. Period. End of Story.
Florida MIGHT emancipate a minor with a non-consenting parent but it requires service and it has to be a pretty good cause.
Abuse is not a reason. We don't emancipate abused children, we find alternative placement for them.

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Can you help me out here? Emancipation in Florida requires the parent to actually file. Have you found something saying otherwise?