HB 1858 -- Emancipation of a Minor

Sponsor:  Dougherty

This bill creates a process by which minors may seek
emancipation from their parents or guardians.  The bill allows
persons who enter into a valid marriage or who serve in the
armed forces or National Guard to be deemed emancipated by a
court.

Minors may also petition a court for limited emancipation.  The
petition must set forth that the minor:  (a) is at least 16
years of age; (b) lives apart from his or her parents or
guardian; (c) manages his or her own financial affairs; (d) has
received counseling to determine alternatives to emancipation;
(e) fully understands the consequences of emancipation; and (f)
will have his or her best interests served by emancipation.

The court will appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the
minor during the proceeding and will issue a summons for the
parents or guardian of the minor, as well as a juvenile officer
if the minor is already under the jurisdiction of the court.
The minor may petition the court to have the limited
emancipation set aside if he or she determines that emancipation
is no longer in the minor's best interest.  A limited
emancipation will enable the minor to:  (a) consent to medical
care; (b) enter into contracts; (c) sue or be sued; (d) enroll
in high school or college; and (e) establish bank accounts.