Quote Quoting aardvarc
View Post
Even with both parents consenting, you'll still have to convince a judge that a) emancipation is in your best interests, and b) that you have enough income to cover EVERYTHING...not only rent and groceries, transportation, utilities, etc. but also a health insurance policy, etc. You won't be able to remain on your parent's auto or health policies. How you think that you'll be able to cover that with $1300 a month take home I cannot imagine.

Technically, yes, you'd be legally able to sign a lease. Finding a landlord who will rent to you is a totally different matter. You might be forced to rent from a private individual as opposed to an apartment complex (who will want to see a positive credit history, something you won't have at the age of 17). The job market will depend on your marketable skills, and any licensing or certifications for your field - some may not be available to you until 18.

The length of the process will depend on the court's schedule and how well and quickly you can gather the documentation the court will want in your VERY DETAILED budget outlining ALL of the things you'll need to pay for, as well as any evaluations the court will want from any outside parties.
In addition, $1,300 per month income is going to be very difficult in Orlando. It will be difficult to find an apt, etc on that income, you'll need to check into all that so that you can show the Judge that you can make ends meet with your income.