The Vermont Statutes Online

Title 12 : Court Procedure

Chapter 217 : Emancipation of Minors

• § 7151. Emancipated minor; definition; criteria

  (a) As used in this chapter:

  (1) “Emancipated minor” means a minor who:

  (A) has entered into a valid civil marriage prior to July 1, 2023, whether or not such civil marriage was terminated by dissolution;

  (B) is on active duty with any of the U.S. Armed Forces; or

  (C) has been ordered emancipated pursuant to section 7155 of this title.

  (2) “Risk of harm” means a significant danger that a child will suffer serious harm other than by accidental means, which would be likely to cause physical injury, neglect, emotional maltreatment, or sexual abuse.

  (b) In order to become an emancipated minor by court order under this chapter, a minor at the time of the order must be a person who:

  (1) Is 16 years of age or older but under the age of majority.

  (2) Has lived separate and apart from the minor’s parents, custodian, or legal guardian for three months or longer.

  (3) Is managing the minor’s own financial affairs.

  (4) Has demonstrated the ability to be self-sufficient in the minor’s financial and personal affairs, including proof of employment or the minor’s other means of support. “Other means of support” does not include general assistance, Reach Up financial assistance, or relying on the financial resources of another person who is receiving such assistance or aid.

  (5) Holds a high school diploma or its equivalent or is earning passing grades in an educational program approved by the court and directed toward the earning of a high school diploma or its equivalent.

  (6) Is not under a legal guardianship or in the custody of the Commissioner for Children and Families.

  (7) Is not under the supervision or in the custody of the Commissioner of Corrections. (Added 1995, No. 145 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 104; 2023, No. 8, § 2, eff. July 1, 2023.)