Emancipation

Emancipation

Children are unable to enter into contracts (with rare exceptions).  Sometimes, people who no longer live at home with their parents but have not reached the age of majority can ask a court to declare that they are legal adults.  That process is called emancipation.  In Nebraska, a person is a minor until they reach the age of 19 (unless they are married).  Without being an adult, these minor children may still need to contract for themselves but counterparties are reluctant or unwilling to do so until a child reaches the age of majority.  In Nebraska, a person who is at least 16 may petition a court for a judgment of emancipation and thereafter be treated as an adult.  Please contact our office if you have questions about emancipation and we are happy to schedule time to discuss your matter.