There are three ways by which a child may become emancipated:
1. At the "age of majority", which is eighteen (18) in Kentucky, a child ordinarily becomes emancipated automatically. Some of these exceptions to this rule include:
if a child is a full-time high school student when they turn 18, the parent is still responsible for their support until the child turns 19, and
a handicapped child has the right to parental support until the child turns 21.
2. A person under the age of 18 may become emancipated with the consent of the parent(s). A parent’s consent does not need to be declared or written down. It can be implied by the parent’s acting or failing to act to govern or support the child. A parent emancipates their minor child by consenting to the child’s marriage. Likewise, if a parent allows a child to move out and become self-supporting, the child is impliedly emancipated.
However, an implied emancipation can be revoked if the parent later changes their mind. In doubtful situations, it is the parents’ wishes that determine whether an emancipation occurs or has occurred.
3. A person under the age of 18 may become emancipated by court order.