Q: I want to get emancipated and I'm not sure of the process. How can I get emancipated without parent consent in Oklahoma?
I'm 16, I'm transgender (trans masc enby) and my parents are threatening to kick me out because of it. It's taking a toll on my mental health and I feel I would be better off living on my own as a legal adult. I want to be able to be myself, get my mental health in order, and keep a roof over my head whilst doing so. I have a job, I have people who are also getting emancipated willing to get an apartment with me, I have my license, and I am extremely independent and able to support myself.
A:
I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. Emancipating is a difficult process and one that is not often used. It requires a "next friend" (an adult who will not work against your interests) to file a petition in court and give notice to your parents. The judge will decide at a hearing whether it is appropriate to confer rights of majority on you. If there is an adult that is willing to file this petition for you, they might also be able to petition to be your guardian.
Getting advice from a lawyer would be best. They can discuss the particulars of your case in more detail. You can find low income legal service providers here: https://oklegalconnect.org/#/login
You might also reach out to LGBT friendly resources like Oklahomans for Equality: https://www.okeq.org/
Best of luck to you.
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