Rebellious teenagers aren`t the only ones who want to know how to emancipate themselves. Parents and guardians also often have questions about the emancipation of minors and how it affects their legal obligations. That said, many American teens have probably asked, “Is it legal to move at 17 (or 16 or even 15)?” I`m tired of what my daughter`s mother is doing. She wouldn`t let me see my daughter, I paid child support for 12 years. His mother puts things in his head. My daughter is afraid of her mother. She recently had 2 more children with 2 other boys and now wants me to pay more support and childcare when I am available and also my mother. This case was brought before the courts 10 years ago. Now she`s back to her games. I have 2 other grandchildren, one 11 years old and the other 9 years old married to my wife for 12 years. My daughter runs, hides and cries when it`s time for her to go home.
But I haven`t seen my daughter for 3 months because of her mother`s games. Please don`t know what to do. Help, please. We notarized the power of attorney so that our 14-year-old grandson would live with us until he graduated or turned 18. He was brought to us for urgent reasons by children and youth who asked us to draft the Act and have it signed by his mother so that we could act as a lawyer on his behalf. He expressed to the children and young people and to us the wish not to live with his mother at all. He wants to stay with us. His mother is very difficult. If she wants him to move, does he have to do it or will the Act be respected? As most family law lawyers will tell you, the age at which a child can decide is 18. At this age, they are no longer children and are subject to a custody lawsuit. Until then, it never depends on a child. There is no magic age until you turn 18.
A judge must consider a child`s preference, age, maturity and other factors. But the final decision is always up to the judge. Simply put, in a custody suit, a child has the right to vote, but not the choice. A question that often comes up in a custody case is: at what age can a child decide which parent to live with? Ultimately, determining a child`s physical and legal custody is subjective and varies from case to case. No divorce attorney in Pennsylvania can say for sure what the answer may be, as it depends on a variety of factors, each of which plays an important role. Here are some general guidelines on how to emancipate yourself, what it means, and what doesn`t count as the emancipation of a minor: There are two types of custody in Pennsylvania: physical and legal. Physical custody is where the child will live, which parent will provide what kind of care to the child, and how much time each parent will spend with the child. So the short answer is that the older and more mature a child is, the more credibility their opinion has when deciding on custody or who they will live with. But there is no set age at which they are legally allowed to make a decision. Learn more about FindLaw`s newsletters, including our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. This website is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google`s privacy policy and terms of service apply. When the judge talks to the child, the parents` lawyers are present.
You also have the right to ask questions of the child. A court reporter must also be present to transcribe the questions and answers and create an official record of the interview. Pennsylvania age laws state that minors may be represented by a guardian, guardian, or closest friend (a “next friend” is a person acting on behalf of the minor without formal appointment). In making an initial custody decision, Pennsylvania judges must consider a long list of factors that affect the child`s safety, including: There is no minimum age that leads a Pennsylvania judge to say whether a child`s wishes are considered or not. On the contrary, the Privacy Act clearly states that a child`s custody preference must be well-founded and based on maturity and judgment. Not all children are allowed (and it is not necessary) to testify in court. The judge will make every effort to place the child and make him or her as comfortable as possible so that he or she is able to clearly and correctly communicate his or her custody preferences, which will then be taken into account in the final decision. Get personalized family law advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many lawyers offer free consultations. Beyond the age of majority, Pennsylvania law does not specify a definitive age at which a minor is eligible for emancipation, with only a few guidelines regarding legal consent to medical treatment.
A minor may consent to medical treatment related to drug and alcohol abuse; Pregnancy; or sexually transmitted diseases. The email address cannot be subscribed. Please try again. Most states have different age limits for different types of legal transactions, such as the ability to enter into a contract or sue. All states limit alcoholic beverages to people 21 and older, but other adult rights and obligations are tied to the age of majority. The federal government also has age limits, such as those related to labor regulations (for example, the Fair Labor Standards Act prohibits children under the age of 14 from having a job). This website is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google`s privacy policy and terms of service apply. If you can`t get along with your parents, there are many services to help you cope. You can live with another parent or a trusted adult with your parents` permission. In addition, Pennsylvania children 14 years of age and older can consent to any mental health treatment, including prescription drugs. At Colgan & Associates, our team of caring and dedicated family law lawyers have extensive experience handling custody matters for families in Pennsylvania. If you have any questions about any part of the custody or family mediation, do not hesitate to contact our office for a free and non-binding telephone consultation.
We`d love to talk to you today! Call us at (717) 790-2048. The age of majority in Pennsylvania is 18. According to the law, anyone over the age of 18: Many state laws and legal procedures have age-related restrictions, such as the legal distinction between “minors.” If you are considering emancipating yourself from your parents or have other age-related legal issues, it is in your best interest to contact a Pennsylvania family law attorney. A judge may decide that a child is mature enough to express an appropriate custody preference and may give the child an opportunity to testify in court. The judge will talk to the child in a more informal physical location, such as his or her office, so that the child does not have to testify in open court.
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