What court proceedings involve minors?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Most states provide that a parent or child may petition the court to be emancipated upon reaching the age of 16. States also recognize common law emancipation in some circumstances. The result of an emancipation decree found to be in the best interests of the child is that all parental obligations and rights are terminated and the child is treated for all legal purposes as an adult.

Adoption of a minor creates the legal relationship of parent and child between the parties. In some states, adoption of adults is permitted. A child is available for adoption when the parents of the child are deceased or their parental rights have been terminated. State law governs adoption procedures, and may prohibit private placement and require parties to proceed through licensed adoption agencies only

The law provides for one under a legal disability to have a person appointed to represent and protect the interests of the ward or protected person. A child whose parents have died will require an adult to be named as guardian. State laws vary, and in some states guardians only have authority over the person and conservators have authority over the ward’s finances. A guardian may be appointed if the child is the recipient of a large sum of money, even if the custodial parents are still alive. In either case, the conservator or guardian need not be a relative of the ward and must make periodic accountings to the court having jurisdiction over the matter.