Phoenix, AZ asked in Family Law for Arizona

Q: Do two minors automatically become adults by law, if married at court with parental consent?

I’m 17 and my girlfriend is 16, we have parental consent for getting married, we are just wondering if we legally become Adults when married, also she is pregnant.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Mike Branum
Mike Branum
Answered
  • Saint George, UT
  • Licensed in Arizona

A: No, two minors who are married with parental permission are not automatically emancipated. A minor over the age of 16 can petition the courts to be emancipated, but they must show that they are capable of living independently from their parents. Your girlfriend will be able to make healthcare decisions for her child, but she will still be considered a minor unless she goes through the court process and can convince a judge that she is capable of handling the responsibilities of someone who is considered an adult.

You have a child bride who is pregnant. You really should take advantage of being a child groom and take as much help from both sets of parents as you possibly can. You are about to enter adulthood with enormous handicaps, do not further handicap yourself, your girlfriend, and your future child by deluding yourself into thinking you are ready to head off into the world and act like an adult.

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