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Emancipation
of Minors:
Any minor who
is sixteen years of age or older and who is a resident of this state may
petition in the Superior Court for a Declaration of Emancipation.
Petitioners residing in Thurston County will be subject to the
following statutory (RCW 13.64) requirements and Juvenile Court Policy:
A petition
for emancipation shall be signed and verified by the petitioner.
It must contain the following:
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The full
name of the petitioner, the petitioner's birth date, and the state and
county of birth.
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A certified
copy of the petitioner's birth certificate.
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The name
and last known address of the petitioner's parent or parents, guardian, or
custodian.
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The
petitioner's present address and length of residence at that address.
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A
declaration by the petitioner indicating that he or she has the ability to
manage his or her financial affairs, including any supporting information.
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A
declaration by the petitioner indicating that he or she has the ability to
manage his or her personal, social, educational, and non-financial affairs,
including any supporting information.
Information
to support the petitioner's ability to manage his or her financial affairs may
include occupational status and income verification along with budgetary
information, including expenses, such as housing, food, clothing,
transportation, utilities, child care, and educational costs.
Information
to support the petitioner's ability to manage his or her personal, social,
educational, and non-financial affairs may include written documentation from
the petitioner's school indicating educational level and/or GED participation
or completion. Further support
may be demonstrated by proof of family planning counseling through the
Thurston County Health Department and three letters of support for
emancipation. These letters may
be from school counselors, adult family friends, community professionals,
clergy, etc.
The
petitioner shall serve a copy of the filed petition and notice of hearing on
the petitioner's parent or parents, guardian, or custodian at least 15 days
before the emancipation hearing.
Petitioner:
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After
completing the petition with the required documentation (1 through 6
above), the petitioner may make an appointment with an intake officer.
An appointment may be made by calling (360) 709-3131, or TDD (360) 754-2933.
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The
petitioner will bring the completed petition, all
documentation, and the filing fee of fifty dollars ($50) in the form of
cash, cashier's check, or money order, to the intake officer at the
appointed time.
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After
reviewing the petition for necessary documentation, the intake officer will
obtain a hearing date from the court clerk administering the court calendar.
The
petitioner will be given the date and time of the hearing.
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The
petitioner shall serve a copy of the filed petition and notice of hearing on
the petitioner's parent or parents, guardian, or custodian at least fifteen
days before the emancipation hearing.
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The
petitioner shall notify the Juvenile Department as to the date and time of
service of the petition and notice of hearing on the petitioner's parent or
parent, guardian, or custodian. This
information must be received by the department no later than seven (7) days
prior to the hearing.
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If the
judge appoints a guardian ad litem, the court clerk will set a new hearing
date and the petitioner will be given a notice and summons for service on
parent or parents, guardian or custodian, at least two weeks prior to the
hearing.
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Upon entry
of a decree of emancipation by the court, the petitioner shall be given two
certified copies of the decree. One
certified copy is to be used to obtain a Washington driver's license, or a
Washington identification card with a notation of the emancipated status as
directed on the decree. The
other certified copy is for petitioner's records.
For
further information, Call Thurston County Juvenile Court at (360) 709-3131,
TDD (360) 754-2933.
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