Ability to Be Emancipated in Ohio Due to Abuse

[megan]

Hello! I'm a 16 year old female whom lives with her father in Ohio. My parents have been divorced since I was a very young age. My father is constantly verbally abusing me, and has lately added to it by physically abusing me also. People have noticed the bruises, and sports can't be a cover-up forever. He has begun to take things a little too far, so i was wondering if i would be able to emancipate myself due to the fact that I do not feel safe or happy at home. The court is only so far aware of a previous suicide attempt, and mental disorders. I do have a job to support myself, and someone who would be willing to let me stay with them until I got myself settled in. If emancipation is not a possibility does anyone have any suggestions on what to do, besides foster care? please and thank you

[cbg]

And you're right; emancipation is not an option. Not in any way. Ohio recognizes only two methods by which a minor can be emancipated; legal marriage, and enlistment in the active armed forces. For both of which you need parental permission and in some parts of Ohio at your age you may also need permission of the court.

No. There are no exceptions. The court will not recognize how badly you have it and emancipate you anyway.

If you are talking about YOUR suicide attempt, that is an absolute bar to emancipation in any state that grants it.

Even if your state did recognize other means of emancipation, if you need someone else's help to support yourself then BY DEFINITION you do not qualify.

If you are being abused, you can call CPS when it happens. Or you can tell a trusted adult (teacher, pastor, rabbi, counselor) what is going on. But emancipation is not, shall not, will not be permitted.