How to Qualify for Emancipation in Pennsylvania

[aristapop]

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: Pennsylvania

I am planning to be emancipated from my parents. I want to file a petition for emancipation once I get my desired job (Because a)I want it b)It is a requirement for emancipation). I already have a guaranteed apartment with a roommate in which we will both pay for the bills. I've read the laws in the state about emancipation and it is very vague and confusing and offers no clear way to become emancipated.

My situation:
I am a 15 year old (Turning 16 in 2 1/2 weeks) female living with her parents. My parents are very strict (And asian) and do not allow me to be who I want to be/do not allow me to be me. They have been manipulating me and verbally abusing me. I have no proof of abuse and is also frightened to notify the authorities of my abuse. My parents claim to always be supporting me when in reality, they will only support me in things they find they want. Such as a)I desire to go into the medical field, my parents help me choose a future college to aim at B)I desired to go into archery, they bought me EVERYTHING archery.
But the problem is, they won't let me become independent and yet they are demanding me to do so. They are constantly telling and yelling at me to get a job, yet they are not willing to drive me anywhere nor allow me to get a permit/liscense/car even when I tell them that I'll pay for the fees and insurance (since I need parent permission for a permit and tell them that I'll buy them myself once I get a job.)
They are also too demanding of me and won't listen to my reasoning. They want me to be straight A+ student and yet do an inhuman amount of extracurricular activites ranging from Music to Sport and everything else. Yet they will not support me, demand me to pay for myself, and yet will not offer/allow me a form of transportation. I do not live in a city and the closest place that I can get a job with good pay is past the 309 highway.
We are already in family therapy (Family base) and this might make emancipation even more difficult. My parents are manipulative in every way and are constantly making me look like a bad/lazy child. I really want to support myself and do things that make me, me but my parents won't allow me. The family base was in suggestion from my therapist and my parents wanted to look 'good' so they entered the program. They is no solid evidence for this, for I overheard them discussing it, so they could easily deny it and because I am a minor that they are not, their word will be taken over mine (Which had happened many times and is sooooo frustrating that I am not heard)

Why I wish to become Emancipated:
I wish to become independent. I need to for my goals and dreams. My parents are very restriction and are constantly making me feel bad about myself. It is very hard for me to live with my parents because I am a free-spirited person and my parents are over-controlling and will not listen to anyone nor me. I wish to support myself, go to the right public school with the education system that meets my requirements, and function in a daily function according to my maturity and not my biological age. I understand that I'm only 15 soon to be 16 but it is very frustrating. I know that I am very mature for my age (Sorry that sounded conceited) and it is hard to argue with 'you are just a 15 year old!'. Although I am being semi-abused I have no proof, they just appear to be very caring/controlling parents.
I understand that, but it makes it all the harder to get emancipated. This household is suffocating me to the point where its making my depression and anxiety worse. My household atmosphere and interpersonal connections are very difficult for me to maintain on a positive level.
I am also bullied at my school/community since I was in pre-school. I have always begged my parents to move or at least let me do online/home school. But they always say 'you gotta learn to deal with it.' 'this will make you into a better person' 'use this to not focus on friends but on your studies'
They don't seem to understand that this peer treatment is not only affecting my mental health and interpersonal relationships but also the way teachers and counselors treat me. Because of various rumors the counselors did not allow me to double up on my classes (Basically accelerating). They didn't clearly 'state' that it was because of the rumors. But I'm always hearing the teachers talk about it. And the way they carry themselves around me and treat me is beyond humiliating. It is beyond demoralizing.
Because of my situation, I have had suicidal urges (I have always gotten help) But I need an out. I cannot escape this situation because my parents won't let me. And in no form of help that I receive help my situation in any way. I have a friend who is willing to room-mate with me (His parents allow him to live on his own, and basically allow him to be a legal adult.)

My plan to become emancipated:
Once I receive my job (And turn 16) and have a source of income and begin paying for the apartment, I will petition for emancipation. I'm not sure whether I should already be staying in the apartment or not.
Once that is settled, and I'm given a form of emancipation that allows me to live on my own, I will be moving down to Texas with my friend (I have a community of people willing to support me there. That is also where my apartment is going to be.). Before I also apply for emancipation I will have a job ready for me in texas.
After that, I will continue to attend school. (Most likely online school but we'll see) And attempt to attend college. Although, my career paths fork into two very different roads.

My questions:
1.Do I need to already be residing in an apartment when I petition my emancipation?
1a. If so, How do I move out legally without my parents permission (For they will never allow me)
1b. What age am I allowed to do so?
2. Am I allowed to have a roommate when proving that I could live independently? (I mean, it's easier to pay bills and such with a roommate, double income)
3. Especially because I am moving to another state after my emancipation, will that effect my emancipation process differently?
4. PA's laws and rules of emancipation are painfully vague and are not helpful to my situation.
5. Is there anything in my situation that will prevent me from getting emancipated?
6. Can I get emancipated with parents consent?
7. Is there anything that could help me get emancipated that I am physically able to do?
8. If the emancipation doesn't work is there a way to legally runaway? Like in Texas (I think) If you run away at 16/17 and have a way to support yourself etc., the government and authorities will not force you to return to your legal guardian.
9. Is there any suggestions that you have to help me in my situation or alternatives?

I just need to be free.
Thank you very much for reading this to help me! It is greatly appreciated.

[flyingron]

Strict parents are not a justification for emancipation. Being bullied isn't either.
Being suicidal is ABSOLUTELY A REASON TO DENY EMANCIPATION.
Understand that before you turn 16, your ability to work is SEVERELY limited by law and emancipation won't change that. Understand that even from 16-18 you can't just leave school and go to work. The state requires your school issue you a work permit to show that you are in good standing at school (or that you have graduated). Frankly, you are DREAMING if you think as a 16 year old part timer or dropout that you have a PRAYER of supporting yourself.

1. You must be iiving independently away from your parents.
a. You've come across a great catch 22 in your state. Understand that emancipation is not a process to escape parental enslavement but rather a recognition of an already indepedent child.
b. 18.

2. You should spend some more time in school learning English. Moving won't EFFECT your process. It may AFFECT your process though most states will require you to be residing there for a period of time (six months or so before you can avail yourself of the courts there).

3. The law is not just vague, it doesn't exist. A judge can in exceptional cirucmstances approve emancipation but you need to demonstrate you are living independently from your parents, able to financially support yourself, and be mature enough to make rational decisions.

4. Yes, the fact you are mentally ill, unable to currently support yourself away from your parents will bar you 100%.

5. You can live apart from your parents if they consent. Understand again that EMANCIPATION is NOT the process of getting out of the house. It's the recognition that an independent minor needs relief from certain disabilities (entering into contracts).

6. Grow up.

7. No. If you leave home without parental consent, you will be a runaway and breaking the law. Running away will show you lack the maturity to ever be considered for emancipation.

8. Grow up.

[comment/ator]

Emancipation is for someone who is already living independently from their parents and is already self supporting, usually very successfully self supporting, in the states that do allow it, of which your state is not one. Think child stars such as Miley Cyrus, Brittany Spears, etc. Think Olympic athletes who are living apart from their families while training for their events in the home of a coach.

Ordinary young girls of fifteen, who have parents who have stern expectations and demands they place upon their child have no recourse except to age out of the situation. That you do not realize the profound difficulties being under 18 would pose upon you living on your own is an indicator of why you do not need to be out on your own. Your parents are providing so many things for you that will not continue if you are completely emancipated that without them, you'd be totally unable to function. These include transportation, health care, access to electronics, shelter and food. Since you are too young to enter into contracts before you were emancipated, you are unable to obtain employment that would enable you to become self supporting after the fact of having moved away from your parents. There are many horrible stories which have basis in fact of people who would be willing to "help" you get away from your parents and make some income on your own, but this is why the laws will not let you do it.

[aristapop]

@comment/ator

I do not need access to electronics to survive unlike most teens. And my parents are only providing me the things in which I do not need and refuse to provide in what I do need such as safety and my right to a higher form of education. I know the difficulties of being 18 and living on my own. I am aware of many things that I probably should've stated. Once I turn 16 I will get a form of transportation. And I will apply for emancipation when I am well into the age of 16, not when I'm 15. I have food and shelter already planned. And when I petition for emancipation, I will have a form of employment that would allow me to become self supporting. And I am also very aware for the many horrible stories. But I've known that community for a while and they know me. I used to be with them in person.
And they aren't 'helping' me 'getting away' from my parents. They are supporting me in being independent. They are two very different things.

[cbg]

Your state does not have a state-wide process for emancipation. Whether or not a minor can be emancipated at all, and if so what the process is, is determined by county.

However, there is one thing that you can be certain of regardless of what county you live in; If your parents will not allow you to move out, then you will not be emancipated. There is NO provision, anywhere in your state (or, for that matter, any other state) to allow a minor to move out over the objections of his/her parents.

[Mark47n]

Just to point out a few things in your refutation:

You say you don't need electronics. How do you think you are communicating now? How would you attend online classes and many classes require the use of a computer to be successful, even in community college. These activities would require more than the casual access at a library or on a CC campus.

Your parents may make provision for things that you feel that you don't need, but that is usually an indicator of immaturity. You do not know what you need, you know only what you want. This is a sign of immaturity and is why teens are not encouraged or generally permitted. The list of things that most parents do for children behind the scenes is incredibly long. Also the fact that they impose restricions upon your behavior and activities is normal. It's also normal for you to resent it. By the way, I'm sure my teenaged daughters feel that I cramp their style and/or abuse them, as well, when I say "no".

A part time job just isn't going to get you there and relying on a "community" for support is certainlly not going to improve your case.

I'm sure you are a unique snowflake, a special flower. Get used to the idea that you're not. You are the same decaying organic matter as everything else. Get used to it (I couldn't resist, for those that get the reference).

[Dogmatique]

@comment/ator

I do not need access to electronics to survive unlike most teens. And my parents are only providing me the things in which I do not need and refuse to provide in what I do need such as safety and my right to a higher form of education. I know the difficulties of being 18 and living on my own. I am aware of many things that I probably should've stated. Once I turn 16 I will get a form of transportation. And I will apply for emancipation when I am well into the age of 16, not when I'm 15. I have food and shelter already planned. And when I petition for emancipation, I will have a form of employment that would allow me to become self supporting. And I am also very aware for the many horrible stories. But I've known that community for a while and they know me. I used to be with them in person.
And they aren't 'helping' me 'getting away' from my parents. They are supporting me in being independent. They are two very different things.

You clearly done very little to learn about the emancipation process in PA.

Otherwise, your first post would not have been written at all.

You will not be emancipated in the state of Pennsylvania based on what you've posted here.

/cue inevitable "yabbut" post

[Mercy&Grace]

You need to learn how to get along with your parents until you are 18. If your parents were abusing you, your school or others would be aware of it and call CPS. Your parents are conrrect about learning to get along with others. You can't always leave a situation because it is difficult, you must learn how to deal with it. Have you been hospitalized in a mental health care facility for your suicidal thoughts ? If you have, this is another reason you won't be emancipated.

Your counselors not agreeing to acceleratd classes for you have nothing to do with rumors or what others say about you. It is based on your proven ability, academic, intellectual factors and other things. You have to accept that most, if not all, of the reasons you want to be emancipate are things you control. You won't be successful in life if you continue to blame your difficuties on others.