Emancipation is a legal process that allows minors to gain adulthood status before reaching 18 years of age. Once emancipated, parents no longer have custody or authority over their child. In California, minors aged 14 or older can request court approval to be recognized as adults before turning 18. This entails obtaining written consent from parents and a court determination that emancipation aligns with the [[Best interest of the child|child's best interests]]. Emancipation results in the termination of parental rights, as the emancipated minor is legally considered an adult. However, it does not entirely sever the parent-child relationship; rather, it relieves parents of their responsibilities since the child is no longer a minor. See Also: * [[Termination of Parental Rights]]