To be emancipated by the court under Connecticut law, you must be at least 16 years old. You must also meet one of the following conditions:
- You must be married, or
- You must be in the U.S. armed forces, or
- You must be living apart from your parents or guardian and be managing your own money, or
- The court must decide that emancipation is in the best interests of you, or your parents, or your minor child (if you have one).
If you are emancipated:
- You may get your own place to live--but you will be responsible for paying the rent and any other costs.
- You may get medical care without your parents' permission--but you will have to pay the bills or arrange for financial help in paying them.
- You can sign contracts in your own name and are responsible for living up to the contract.
- You can sue other people, and you can also be sued by others.
- You are no longer under the control of your parents -- but they will also have no obligation to support you financially, or give you any food, clothing, or shelter. The State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families will no longer be responsible for helping you if you are abused or neglected. You are, however, entitled to the same protection by the police as any other person, including the right to be protected from violence by a family or household member.
- You may buy and sell property.
- You may get a driver's license or marriage license or join the armed services without your parents' permission.
- You may enroll in a school or college of your choice without asking your parents.