My question involves emancipation laws for the State of: Virginia
Okay, quick scenario - daughter doesnt want to follow rules (big surprise), she will be 18 in December. She's decided that she wants to complete her HS requirements early and get her diploma in December vs. May so she can "get on with her life" (boy she doesnt know how hard its going to be does she?!). Her "guidance counselor" is telling her all types of things that my husband and I believe arent true to the law, but I cant find it anywhere in the Statues, so I need your help if you dont mind.
From what I've been told, if a child turns 18 and reaches age of majority, and completes their HS education or equivalency, they CANNOT re-enroll in school after they turn 18 and get their dipolma already... correct? Her guidance counselor has told her that she can get her diploma on 19 December, turn 18 on 26 December, and after Xmas break, re-enroll on 7 January as a student. We say nope...cant do it. Who's right?
In the same venue as above, this brings in legal ramifications as to if, by chance, she CAN do it, WE are still legally responsible for her because according to VA law, until the age of 18.5 years of age, if enrolled in high school, the parents are bound by law to provide for the child if the child is still in school. I dont know the statue off hand but I've seen it.
So - bottom line - who is right here - us..or the counselor? This is totally our daughters decision, which we think is stupid on her part, but...she doesnt want to follow the rules we have in our home - then so be it. She'll have to learn the hard way unfortunately, but...we will NOT be held responsible for her after the age of 18 given all we have been through these past 6 years with her. Sometimes you just have to draw the line....and ours is drawn. It is indeed a sad day.
Thanks in advance..

