My question involves emancipation laws for the State of: Washington
Situation:
The child is 18, has graduated high school (barely), highly intelligent but lazy and unmotivated, no mental or physical disabilities, no learning disabilities.
The divorce papers have no provision for college support or child support after 18. Father has had sole custody since divorce and received no child support from mother.
Father tells child he will have to move out after graduation on June 30--and child has over six months notice of this. Child will be out of parental home on June 30.
High school counselor has told father he is still responsible for paying child's college expenses if child fills out FAFSA form--even if child is living apart and self supporting.
High school counselor said father must file emancipation forms in order to not be held responsible for 18-year-olds financial aid for college.
QUESTION:
None of the emancipation forms have a provision for if the child is already 18...so...is the counselor wrong? Is the child considered emancipated if he is out of the parental home and receiving no support from the father?
If the child was forced out of the home at 18 after high school graduation, is that child still considered emancipated even though the child did not want to leave?
If the child moves in with the biological mother, is the child considered dependent and would the father be responsible for financial aid?
Does laziness come into play regarding an 18-year-olds ability to support himself in the eyes of the law?
Is not wanting to work a reason to continue to be considered dependent?
I can't find any statutes that address these issues...and I would really appreciate being pointed in the right direction.
Thank you!

