Emancipation

Emancipation is a legal procedure that frees children from the custody and control of their parents or guardians before they reach the age of majority. {In California, this is age 18.) If you become emancipated, you will be able to do certain things without your parent's consent, such as:
•    Consent to medical treatment
•    Apply for work permit
•    Enroll in school or college

You will also give up your right to be supported by your parents.

Even if you are emancipated:
•    You must still attend school.
•    You cannot get married without parental consent.
•    You probably will remain under juvenile court jurisdiction, if you commit a crime.

For more information please read the Emancipation Pamphlet (EM-100-INFO)

Completed paperwork must be submitted in person at the following location:

Walnut Creek Courthouse Juvenile Division, 1st Floor 640 YGNACIO VALLEY ROAD WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596

Fees:
The filing fee of $435.00 must be paid at the time of filing. If you are unable to pay to the filing fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver. The California Courts website has additional information on requesting a fee waiver.

Emancipation Packets will consist of the following forms

(EM-I00)    Petition for Declaration of Emancipation of Minor (EM-109)    Notice of Hearing-Emancipation of Minor
(EM-115)    Emancipation of Minor Income and Expense Declaration (EM-130)     Declaration of Emancipation of Minor After Hearing
(EM-140)    Emancipated Minor's Application to California Department of Motor Vehicles (FW-OO1)    Request to Waive Court Fees