Hi, I am 16 and a current resident of CA. I have graduated high school and am currently enrolled in a community college. I have a job as well as FAFSA from the college. I seek emancipation because I am in a place where I am underage, but expected live as an adult with the responsibilities, but not the power or privileges.
My situation at home is not the most pleasant one, however my main reason for seeking emancipation is because I am not legally able to give my consent for college programs, activities, a credit card to build my credit, ect. Also, I already pay for all my own expenses, except I am still living at home. I find that living at home and being legally obligated to let my parents make my most important decisions for me, is proving to not be in my best interests. They think of me as a high school student still, and do not understand that I need to be able to go to a medical conference for an entire weekend, or stay up late studying, or begin building good bank credit so that the school loans I will apply for in two years have lower interest. Also, they think I am "too young" to drive. I am currently commuting twice a week to Rocklin (about an 1 and 1/2 drive), and I have to find people to car pool with each week or take the bus. Although they still want to make my decisions for me, they do not feel they need to support me in any other way than to let me live under their roof. I am also having some health care issues, but my parents won't pay or take me to a doctor. Any doctor that even gives me a physical without their consent is breaking the law. I think i would really benefit from the removal of some of the disabilities of minority.
I have already looked into the process of emancipation but I had a few questions. I have read several times that emancipation is obtained with parent consent, and you have to be living away from home WITH THEIR CONSENT, before your emancipation can be accepted.
If I had the court hearing and my parents came and did not give their consent, would that simply be an end to the process?
If I moved away from home, with a relative, friend, or by myself without their consent to prove that I can in fact sustain myself without parent/guardian support would that be considered running away?
Does the fact that I have my high school diploma affect my ability to achieve emancipation status in the state of California?
And how can I prove that I would be better off being emancipated if it is illegal for me to move away without their consent? Is there a way to prove that I am capable without breaking the law? Could I get a court order for perhaps allowing a set time period where they would let me move out without consent and be on my own see how I do?

