A. 
The Court may declare a child emancipated either pursuant to a petition or as a dispositional alternative if the child can show it is in his/her best interest to be free from parental control and protection and he/she no longer needs that control and protection, or the child is a juvenile in need of protection and services as defined by this chapter.
B. 
All of the following conditions must exist:
(1) 
The child is 16 years of age or older;
(2) 
Living separate from his or her parent(s), guardian, or caretaker;
(3) 
Is self-supporting;
(4) 
Understands the consequences of being free from parental control and protection; and
(5) 
Has an acceptable plan for independent living.
A. 
Petition.
(1) 
Who may petition.
(a) 
A minor who is at least 16 years of age may petition the Court for a declaration of full or partial emancipation.
(b) 
A child's parent, guardian or caretaker.
(2) 
The petition shall be verified and shall state:
(a) 
The name, date of birth and address of the child who is the subject of the petition;
(b) 
The name and address of each living parent of the child who is the subject of the petition;
(c) 
The name and address of the child's guardian or caretaker, if any;
(d) 
The reasons why the emancipation would be in the best interests of the child;
(e) 
The purposes for which emancipation is sought;
(f) 
The proposed plan for the child supporting himself/herself;
(g) 
The proposed educational plan; and
(h) 
The name, address and relationship to the child of the person filing the petition.
(3) 
Service of the petition for emancipation, summons and notice of hearing.
(a) 
Service of process of the petition shall be personally served on the parties at least seven days prior to the hearing.
(b) 
If, with reasonable diligence, a party cannot be personally served, service by publication of the notice may be made.
(c) 
Upon verification of service, an initial hearing shall be scheduled within 30 days of filing the petition.
(4) 
Notice.
(a) 
Notice of the final hearing on the petition shall be sent to the child's parent(s), the Department, the legal custodian(s), and the caretaker of the child.
(b) 
The hearing notice sent by certified mail to the parents shall be sufficient verification that the notice is deemed complete. Upon a proper showing by the petitioner that reasonable efforts were made to notify the parents of the final hearing, the final hearing may proceed and if failing to do so shall not be continued more than once.
(5) 
Waiver.
(a) 
"Waiver" means that the parent(s) will not be a party to the proceedings, which would have entitled them to receive a copy of the petition, an opportunity to respond, receive hearing notices, and participate in the proceedings. A parent(s) shall have the right to withdraw the waiver, in writing, or in open Court at any time prior to or at the final hearing.
(b) 
A parent may waive service of process in a voluntary proceeding, in writing, notarized or attested to by two credible witnesses 18 years of age or older.
(c) 
A parent properly served may waive notice and appearance in open Court, or in writing, notarized or attested to by two credible witnesses who are 18 years of age or older.
B. 
Findings. If the Court finds that the requirements of Subsection A(1) of this section are met, the Court may grant all or part of the petition, unless, after having considered all of the evidence, it finds that emancipation would not be in the best interests of the child.
C. 
Declaration. If the Court grants all or part of the petition, it shall immediately issue a declaration of emancipation.
D. 
Purpose for emancipation. An emancipated minor shall be considered an adult over the age of 18 for all purposes.