Emancipation

The Polk County Juvenile Department will assist you with the emancipation process. Contact the Department at (503) 623-2349 to schedule an appointment to discuss your particular situation with one of the Probation Officers.

According to State law, in order to be eligible to apply for emancipation, you need to meet the following requirements:

• You must be 16 years of age or older.
• The legal residence of the custodial parent must be in Polk County.
• If you are under the jurisdiction of a Juvenile Court, your legal residence is considered to be in that County.
• You must pay the filing fee set by the Court.

If you are emancipated:

• You will be recognized as an adult for the purposes of contracting and conveying, establishing a residence, suing and being sued.
• If you violate the law, you will be treated as an adult.
• Your parents will no longer be responsible for you and your actions.
• Receiving a judgment of emancipation does not affect any age qualifications for purchasing or possessing alcoholic liquor or tobacco products, the age requirement for obtaining a marriage license, or your status as a minor under ORS 109.510.

The Court will consider the following in determining your eligibility for emancipation:

• Whether your parent(s) consent to the emancipation.
• Whether you have been living away from the family home, and are able to maintain and support yourself without parental guidance and supervision.
• Whether you can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Court that you are sufficiently mature and knowledgeable to manage your affairs without parental assistance.

Once you apply:

• The fees you paid are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the hearing, or if you change your mind.
• Your parents are notified that you filed for emancipation and the date of when the hearing has been set. They have the right to attend the hearing.
• A preliminary hearing is set within ten (10) days of when you filed for emancipation.
• If the matter is not resolved at the preliminary hearing, the final hearing is scheduled within 60 days of filing for emancipation or earlier.