Can I Be Emancipated?

[pcblack]

My question involves emancipation laws for the State of: North Carolina.

I am currently 19 years old and have been living with my aunt for 3 years. It has not been a problem until I left for college. My first year of school I filed my financial aid under my aunt and everything went through fine. This school year however, I have had a lot of issues trying to file. I was unable to file under my aunt because she is not my biological parent and I also tried to file independent which was denied. This school year I will be forced to take out private loans for my entire tuition. My question is would I be able to get emancipated even though I am over 18? Or would it be easier for my aunt to try and adopt me? My main purpose is to try and get financial aid for school.

[aaron]

You're past the age of 18 and thus, in North Carolina, you're already an adult. The rest you need to work out with your college's financial aid office. (North Carolina apparently does permit adult adoption, but you have to think about your relationship with your parents, and you would also want to be certain that it would change the position of your college's financial aid office.)

[pcblack]

Although I am considered a adult, I have to file my financial aid under a parent or adopted parent until I am 24 unless I have a child. So I am left with no one to file my financial aid under and therefore forced to take out 12,000 in loans this year.

[FlyinHawk®]

am moving out of my parent’ house and will support myself from now on – do my parents still have to fill out the FAFSA?

Yes. Students under 24 years of age are considered dependent on their parents by federal law no matter where they live (there are limited exceptions). If your parents do not provide their information on your application, you probably cannot be considered for aid. If you have special circumstances which make it impossible for your parents to complete the FAFSA, contact the Student Financial Aid Office.

How can I get my parental financial information for the FAFSA if I am under 24, not married or a veteran, have no children and have had NO contact with my parents?

You may come into the Student Financial Aid Office and request an interview to determine whether or not you are a candidate with "unusual circumstances."

http://www.ncat.edu/~finaid/FAQ.html

[moburkes]

Although I am considered a adult, I have to file my financial aid under a parent or adopted parent until I am 24 unless I have a child. So I am left with no one to file my financial aid under and therefore forced to take out 12,000 in loans this year.

Another, obvious, option is to attend a less expensive school.