Are you at least 16 years old?

Are you married or living separate and apart from your parents?

Do you reside in the county where you intend to petition for emancipation?

You must answer "Yes" to all three of these questions to even begin the process.

Understand that he courts will not be all that concerned with YOUR belief as to what might be in your best interest since your thoughts may be skewed (as most teens' are). A court is not likely to remove your parents parental rights simply because you have an idea for your education that may be in error. Keep in mind that even if you live on your own, your parents' incomes can be a factor in any grants or financial aid you might be eligible for, so even being emancipated may not remove that element of FAFSA. (Not being dependents didn't help my kids' attempts at Grants.)

The court will base their decision on a number of criteria including whether your parents consent to emancipation, whether you are able to support yourself without financial assistance, whether you are mature and knowledgeable enough to manage your own affairs, and, whether emancipation is truly in your best interest.

Emancipation is rarely granted, so know that this is an uphill battle going in, and next to impossible if your parents do not agree to it.