THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 19, 1994 TAG: 9408180202
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DENISE WATSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
THE VIRGINIA Emancipation Act of 1986 allows any minor who is at least 16 to petition the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to be given certain legal rights of an adult.
If the petition is granted, the minor's parents are relieved of all guardianship. The teenager can sign contracts, such as leases and loans, buy property and accept or refuse medical treatment without the consent of an adult.
To qualify, the applicant must be living separately from his or her parents, with parental consent, and be able to prove to a judge that he or she can handle personal and financial affairs.
A minor also can be emancipated if the he or she has entered into a valid marriage or is on active military duty. A parent or guardian of that minor also may file a petition with the court to have a child emancipated.
When appropriate, the judge can require the local department of welfare or social services or other agency to investigate the case and file a report with the court.
The court then appoints counsel for the minor to represent the minor's interests by making a budget and verifying that the juvenile is responsible. An attorney also can be appointed for the parents or guardians.
As proof of their emancipation, minors can apply for an identification card through the Department of Motor Vehicles. by CNB