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EM-100-INFOMandatory

Emancipation Pamphlet

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective September 1, 2018

This pamphlet explains what emancipation is, which is a legal way for a minor to gain freedom from their parents' control before reaching the age of majority. It also lists the forms needed to ask a judge for this declaration.

The court describes it as: Explains how to become emancipated and other options you may have.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Stage: Start a case

This information is used by someone who is considering becoming emancipated, which is a legal process that allows a minor to gain certain rights without parental permission.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Common questions

What is emancipation?
Emancipation is a legal process that frees a child from the control of their parents or guardians before they reach the age of majority. This means you can do things like consent to medical treatment without parental permission.
Do I have to pay to file?
You might have to pay a fee to file your petition. If you cannot afford the fee, you can file an application to have the fees waived.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect September 1, 2018.

Related forms

  • EM-100

    Petition for Declaration of Emancipation of Minor, Order Prescribing Notice, Declaration of Emancipation, and Order Denying Petition

    This form is used to ask the court to legally declare a minor, who is between 14 and 18, as emancipated. It asks the court to make a declaration, set notice requirements, and can include an order either granting or denying the emancipation.

    MandatoryFillable PDF
  • EM-109

    Notice of Hearing—Emancipation of Minor

    This form tells people when and where a court hearing is scheduled to decide if a minor can be declared an emancipated minor. It also has a section where parents, guardians, and others can sign to agree to the emancipation without a hearing.

    MandatoryFillable PDF
  • EM-115

    Emancipation of Minor Income and Expense Declaration

    This form asks for detailed information about a minor's finances, including their living situation, education, job history, income, assets, and monthly expenses. It is used to give the court information so the judge can decide if the minor can support themselves.

    MandatoryFillable PDF3 translations
  • EM-130

    Declaration of Emancipation of Minor After Hearing

    This form is used to record a judge's decision after a hearing regarding a minor's request to be emancipated. It states whether the court agrees that the minor can be considered legally independent.

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  • EM-140

    Emancipated Minor's Application to California Department of Motor Vehicles

    This form is used to ask the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to add information to your ID or Driver's License showing that a judge declared you emancipated. You must attach a certified copy of the Declaration of Emancipation.

    OptionalFillable PDF
  • ADOPT-200

    Adoption Request

    This form is used to tell the court who is asking for an adoption and what kind of adoption is being requested. It asks for information about the adopting parents, the child, and the type of adoption.

    MandatoryFillable PDF4 translations
  • ADOPT-203

    Stepparent Adoption Request

    This form is used to start a case asking the court to approve a stepparent adoption. It asks for information about the adopting parent, the child, and details about the adoption itself.

    MandatoryFillable PDF4 translations
  • ADR-103

    Petition to Confirm, Correct, or Vacate Attorney-Client Fee Arbitration Award

    This form is used to ask the court to approve, fix, or cancel a decision (award) made by an arbitrator regarding a dispute over attorney fees. It is used only for certain types of binding awards from specific fee arbitration programs.

    OptionalFillable PDF