Emancipation is not the ticket teens seem to think it is for getting out from parental control or home situations they do like. The fact that your parent(s) are not the best in the world doesn’t get you emancipated. In Arkansas emancipation of a minor (a person under age 18) occurs (1) when you get married; (2) when you join the military, or (3) and Arkansas court grants a petition for emancipation. Getting married or joining the military before age 18 requires parent approval. The military won’t take you at age 15 even if you had parent approval.
In order for a court to grant approval for emancipation, it appears that you need to convince the court ALL of the following (from an Arkansas Legal Services summary):
- You are at least 17 years old.
- You don't want to live with your parents.
- Your parents don't mind if you move out.
- You can handle your own money.
- You have a legal way to make money.
- Emancipation would be in you best interest.
So, you need to be 17 for starters. Then you need to be able to support yourself financially. If your parent(s) contest the petition then it will make it a lot harder to get court approval for this. Once you reach 17, if you want to try this, consult a family law attorney for advice and for help with the petition.

