Petition for Emancipation of Minor

[christina398]

I am currently 15 years old, but will turn 16 in June of 2009. I am graduating high school May 2009, two years early. I am registering for college classes for my medicals assistant degree in two months. I pregnant with my first child and due on May 31th. I am extremely responsible, and I have always had the ambitions to finish things that I start. I am looking to be emancipated when I turn 16, so I can be out of the house and living an supporting myself, without help of the government or my mother. I live in a single parent household, that is already struggling to make ends meets.
I did a lot of studying and I feel this is the right thing for me to do. I was wondering, how I  could get a good lawyer appointed to me by the courts. How long does the emancipation take to be in place? Do I have to have parents consent (considering I win the case)? What court/governmental charges are involved?

Thank you for all your help!
Christina

[White Shark]

First, this is not legal advice.

These are all weighty issues you raise and they require very careful consideration of the consequences they may have on your life and living conditions, as well as the legal and financial effects.

The best person to explain to you the potential legal process and costs would be an attorney in your area.

Most communities have some sort of free legal aid service. Look in the phone book under your city name, or the nearest big city (you can also search online, of course). Also see if the nearest law school has any type of legal clinic or "pro bono" (that means "free") services they provide to people who have limited financial resources.

As a minor, and pregnant, you may already be in touch with your local social services agency. A staff member there might also be able to direct you to legal aide groups.

Good luck!