Leaving Home Before Eighteen
RCW 13.64.050 — sixteen or older, clear and convincing evidence, and an adult with exceptions
In Washington, a minor sixteen years of age or older who is a resident of the state may petition in the superior court for a declaration of emancipation.
Clear and convincing evidence. The court grants the petition if the minor proves by clear and convincing evidence that the minor is sixteen years of age or older and a resident, and can manage financial affairs and personal, social, educational and nonfinancial affairs.
If a parent opposes. A parent, guardian or custodian, or for a dependent minor the department of children, youth, and families, may oppose the petition. The court then denies it unless it finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that denying emancipation would be detrimental to the minor's interests.
The license. The minor receives a certified copy of the decree, which instructs the minor to obtain a state driver's license or identification card, with the emancipated status noted on it.
An adult's power and capacity. An emancipated minor is considered to have the power and capacity of an adult, for purposes including these.
- The end of the parents' obligations of financial support, care and supervision.
- Suing and being sued, keeping earnings, and a separate residence or domicile.
- Contracts that cannot be voided, and acting as an adult in business relationships, including property transactions.
- Working and earning a living, and giving informed consent to health care.
Not an adult for everything. An emancipated minor is not an adult for the adult criminal laws, unless juvenile jurisdiction is declined or the minor is tried in criminal court, for crimes where the victim's age is an element, or for the age rules on voting, alcohol, firearms and other health and safety regulations.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionA parent's objection ends it | What the law actually doesAn opposed petition is denied unless denying it would be detrimental to the minor, shown by clear and convincing evidence |
| The assumptionAn emancipated minor is tried as an adult | What the law actually doesNot under the adult criminal laws, except through the transfer procedures the section names |
Running away, a parent's custody rights and the rules for minors in foster care are not all on this page. Whether a particular minor qualifies is a question for a licensed Washington attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- RCW 13.64.050 — Emancipation decree; certified copy; notation of emancipated status
- RCW 13.64.010 — Declaration of emancipation
- RCW 13.64.060 — Power and capacity of emancipated minor
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.