Emancipation of Minor

by Anonymous from Florida

We are custodial grandparents with a minor 15 years old who wishes to leave. How does one go about returning a minor child to the courts?

Answer to Florida Court Forms Question

Dear Anonymous,

My best suggestion is to contact the Department of Children and Families and request assistance.

If you are unable to care for or control your 15 year old grandchild any longer, DCF can make that determination and file the necessary paperwork for you.

Depending on the circumstances the grandchild might be placed with another relative caregiver, or placed in foster care.

Also research child emancipation in Florida. Age 18 is the age of majority, but if a minor is self supporting and lives apart he may be considered to be emancipated.

For further information see this emancipation information page from SPARC, Separated Parents Access and Resource Center. Age 15 is likely too young for a minor to be legally emancipated; but I believe it is not unusual at age 16-18.

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