Emancipation of Teenagers
What is Maine's Law on Emancipation of Teenagers
Emancipation is a legal process conducted through the District Court which declares a teenager independent of his or her parents or guardians. The qualifications and procedures for doing this are found in 15 MRS §3506-A, beginning with: "If a juvenile is 16 years of age or older and refuses to live in the home provided by the juvenile's parent or parents, guardian or legal custodian, the juvenile may request the District Court in the division in which the juvenile's parent or parents, guardian or legal custodian resides to appoint counsel for the juvenile to petition for emancipation."
The Maine Judicial Branch's website has a PDF version of the Request for Assignment of Counsel and Petition forms. The Kids Legal website has a discussion of emancipation in Maine.
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