In California, an emancipated minor is a person under the age of 18 who has been legally granted independence from their parents or guardians, allowing them to make decisions typically reserved for adults. Emancipation can be achieved through a court process or by meeting certain statutory conditions. A minor may petition the court for emancipation, and if granted, they are recognized as legally capable of entering into contracts, managing their own finances, and making other personal decisions without parental consent. Emancipation can also occur automatically in specific situations, such as when a minor gets married, joins the military, or has already been self-supporting and living independently for a certain period.
Once emancipated, a minor in California gains many of the legal rights of an adult, but they also assume the legal responsibilities that come with adulthood. This includes the ability to disaffirm contracts they enter into, though there are some limitations. For example, emancipated minors are generally able to enter binding contracts and manage their own affairs, but they still have the right to void contracts for necessities like food, shelter, and medical care, similar to other minors. Additionally, emancipated minors are responsible for their own support, meaning they are no longer entitled to parental support or care unless otherwise agreed.
