Getting Emancipated

[romesnow]

My question involves guardianship in the State of: Colorado. I am 16 and working on getting my GED. I really want to get emancipated but I'm not sure the procedure. I am currently staying at one of my dad's friends houses and am working construction for him. Also looking for a better full time job but I am in Wyoming. I have a job opening in Colorado but it is to far from my house so I would have to stay with my cousin or friend until I got on my feet and got my own place. That wouldn't be a problem except my parents will literally call the police to get me if I go stay somewhere away from home, they are very suspicious and I know this from experience. I am not some punk who just wants to get out of the house, I love working and put all my time and effort into my jobs and really want to support myself so I can feel successful. My parents and I get along when I am away but when I'm home we are constantly fighting and I hate it. Not saying we are having some big family issue or anything but I'm pretty much on my own here in Wyoming. So anyways, can someone please tell me the procedure to getting emancipated? Does my job HAVE to be in Colorado to begin with? Do I need a lawyer? Ect. Ect. Any help would be much appreciated, thanks.

[cdwjava]

Colorado has no specific statutory authority for emancipation, so you would have to go before a court to show that you can sustain yourself (largely on your own and without assistance or welfare), and that it is in your best interests. As you describe it right now, you are not in school and should be and that could get you and your parents in hot water.

These are the usual requirements from what I can determine in Colorado:

- You must be a resident of CO
- You must be at least 15 years old
- Prove you are employed and can support yourself
- Must have consent of BOTH parents ... do you?
- That you are not living with your parents at the time of emancipation
- Prove that emancipation is in your best interests

As a note, the percentage of emancipation petitions that are granted is tiny. Most teenagers think they can do better on their own, but the courts recognize that this is simply not the case.

[cbg]

Colorado will not emancipate a Wyoming resident under any circumstances. If you are living in Wyoming, then they're the ones you have to worry about. Either that, or you have to move to Colorado before you apply. NO state can or will emancipate a teen living in a different state.

[cdwjava]

Are you in Wyoming WITH your parents' agreement? Or, are you a runaway?

[romesnow]

I do not have both parents consent, and cannot be living on my own to get emancipated until it happens. This is the reason I want to be emancipated, to live on my own legally. I would definently move back to Colorado and would be living there after emancipation. Living in Wyoming is just temporary and I am not a runaway. Both of my parents know I'm here. I meet all the requirements cdwjava listed except the parents consent and living on my own. Do you have to have the parents consent? Also I didn't drop out of high school just because I didn't like it, in fact my last semester grades were outstanding. I dropped out because I'm passionate about working and feel like I'm doing something other then wasting my life away.

[LawResearcherMissy]

I do not have both parents consent, and cannot be living on my own to get emancipated until it happens.

Then it isn't happening. Parental consent and already living on your own is REQUIRED, per the law.

I dropped out because I'm passionate about working and feel like I'm doing something other then wasting my life away.

...and even if you DID have parental consent, this would torpedo your petition. Another requirement of emancipation - in those states that allow it at all - is that you remain in school and maintain a better than average GPA.

You don't want to hear this, but you're going to anyway: You are not a candidate for emancipation. Full stop.

[cdwjava]

A court is not going to remove your parents' rights against their will just because you think you know better than they do.

And they are being remiss by NOT reporting you as a runaway if you are not going to school, because they could find themselves charged with a crime for knowingly permitting you to remain out of school.

And just how are you working in WY? I imagine it is under the table because even in WY they have laws concerning compulsory education and someone could get in trouble for employing a minor who is truant.

When you are 18 you can do as you please. Until then, you place yourself, your parents, and anyone that is aiding you at potential legal jeopardy unless they are following the law concerning your education and living situation.

[cbg]

One of the requirements for emancipation in WY is that you be 17.

Looks like emancipation ain't gonna happen, kiddo.

[romesnow]

Thanks for the help and advice everyone. Oh and it is completely legal for a 16 year old to work cdwjava. That's not placing anyone at legal risk! I mean if you think its better for people like myself not to have a hard working job to occupy their time and teach them responsibility then that's your privilege to think so. I just think its better I'm doing something with my life and not using my downtime lazing around, getting into drugs, ect. But if you think that's a good lifestyle more power to you. I'm sure many would agree with me on that. To the rest of you thank you very much, it was better I get some more info before I took this to far

[Dogmatique]

You would do well to correct your thoughts a little.

Listen to Cdwjava. He made VERY valid points. I'm not sure you actually understood his post/s.