Emancipation is the process of a parent giving up control over a minor child. An "emancipated" (freed) child has control over their own legal decisions and support before they are an adult (age 18).  In New York, a parent must financially support a child until age 21 unless the child becomes emancipated. 

What are the rights of an emancipated child under age 18?

The child can:

  • keep their wages.
  • live in their own home.
  • go to school in their neighborhood.
  • receive some public benefits.
  • ask the court for child support if the parent forced them to leave home.
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Last Reviewed: April 21, 2023