INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION FOR EMANCIPATION (FM-064)

According to §3506-A of the Maine Revised Statutes, a juvenile who is 16 years of age or older and refused to live in his or her parent’s, guardian’s, or custodian’s home may file a petition with the District Court in the division the parents, guardian or custodian resides.   

“Petition for Emancipation FM-064 Step 1”

On the first line, fill in your full legal name along with your age, where you were born and your date of birth. 

“Petition for Emancipation FM-064 Step 2”

On the second line, check whether you are a male or female.

“Petition for Emancipation FM-064 Step 3”

On the third line, check where you currently reside, even if you are still living with your parents.

“Petition for Emancipation FM-064 Step 4”

On the fourth and fifth lines, state the name of your mother and father and where they currently live.  If they are deceased, leave the lines blank and fill in line six.

“Petition for Emancipation FM-064 Step 5”

If you have a guardian, state their name and address on the sixth line of the petition.  If you do not have a guardian and your parents still have legal custody, leave the sixth line blank.

“Petition for Emancipation FM-064 Step 6”

State the person(s) who owned the home you were living in on line seven and provide reasons why you refuse to live there any longer.  If you need more room than the space provided, check the “See attached” box.

“Petition for Emancipation FM-064 Step 7”

The eighth paragraph states that you can provide reasonable provisions for room, board, healthcare, and education because of proper employment.  If you have sources such as teachers and employers to verify your maturity and financial stability, list their names under the paragraph.

“Petition for Emancipation FM-064 Step 8”

 Sign and date the form and provide your current address. 

“Petition for Emancipation FM-064 Step 9”

Section three of §3506-A states that the court may require mediation so an agreement can be reached without a trial.  If an agreement is not reached in mediation, the court will notify all parties involved of the date of hearing, the consequences of the emancipation, and each party’s right to counsel.

“Petition for Emancipation FM-064 Step 10”

The emancipation is made public unless any party involved wants the matter to stay private.

INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION FOR EMANCIPATION (DELAWARE COUNTY)

There is no specific statute in Pennsylvania that addresses emancipation except for emancipation from child support.  Pennsylvania is unique.  The legal status of the minor may move in and out of emancipation, and most cases do not automatically qualify a minor for emancipation.  Additionally, just because a child qualifies for emancipation does not mean they are fully emancipated from their parents. 

If a minor wants to become emancipated, to join the military for example, they must file a petition with the local Family Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas.  The following instructions address the petition in Delaware County. 

“Petition for Emancipation Step 1”

In the first paragraph, you need to list your full legal name along with your social security number.  In the line above the first paragraph, write the word “emancipation.”

“Petition for Emancipation Step 2”

In the second paragraph, you have to list your full birthday in the following form: oo/oo/oooo.  On the second line, place the name of the county in which you were born, and the state in the third line.

You need to attach a copy of your birth certificate to the petition.  The birth certificate must be a certified copy and cannot be a photocopy.

“Petition for Emancipation Step 3”

In the third paragraph, list the name, relationship, and address of your parents or guardian.  If you do not know the location of a parent, inform the Court Clerk.  If you parent is deceased, write their name, relationship, and write deceased on the address line. 

“Petition for Emancipation Step 4”

In the fourth paragraph, list your current residence and when you first moved into the residence.

“Petition for Emancipation Step 5”

In the fifth paragraph, tell the court how you are capable of handling your own finances.  You’ll need to list your current employer on the last line, and you can attach a wage statement to the petition for evidence to the court. 

“Petition for Emancipation Step 6”

In the sixth paragraph, tell the court how you can manage your own personal and social affairs.  If a peer such as a teacher, coach, or other person can prove your maturity, attach a statement to the petition. In the last line, state where you plan to live if emancipated.

“Petition for Emancipation Step 7”

Sign and date the petition.  Give all forms to the clerk.