Q: How can I become emancipated as a minor in Texas due to abuse?
I am turning sixteen next month and live in an emotionally and sexually abusive household in Texas. My mom threatened to kill me after I reported my stepdad's abusive behavior. She won't let me get a job to maintain control over me financially. I've had five or six cases with child protective services, as well as police involvement over the past seven years. I'm classified as a junior at an early college high school, taking dual credit classes to graduate early. A friend's mom, who is a police officer, is willing to take me in. Unfortunately, my relatives side with my parents and enable the abuse, insisting that I must obey them because I'm a minor. How can I become emancipated as a minor?
A: With notice to your parents, you can file suit to be emancipated. You will need to prove you have the financial ability to support yourself.
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