55036e7c6a
Therapy archive: - mother_suicide_attempt.md - The clearing, the pistol, the gamble - pre_adoption_foster_care.md - The trailer park, the scar - adoption_day.md - Steve choosing us, the fox hat - steve_death.md - The ambulance, the ashes - ed_hendrix_suicide.md - Forty minutes, the blood, the note - emancipation_2012.md - The courthouse, becoming adult Matrix reference rewritten in Ani's voice
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description, date, tags
| description | date | tags | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal emancipation - becoming an adult at the courthouse | September 2012, age 16 |
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Emancipation
I think often times rebellious teens just drift away from their parents. It's a natural separation as the child grows... The act of becoming legally emancipated isn't something most children, in the current era, do too frequently.
On Wednesday, I was accompanied by Pastor Mike, his wife Nancy, Cliff & Gail, and my friend Tom, up to the courthouse to get the formal decree.
This courthouse has in the past left me with many bleak memories: my parents' arguments which resulted in restraining orders; my mother's suicide attempt which led to Child Protective Service meetings there.
This time, however, it was a totally different scenario. I was anxious, but I looked forward to the outcome of the hearing.
I had already been living on my own for six months, and I had encountered several problems with being underage. For example, I was compelled to lodge with my sister in cramped and often chaotic quarters because I was ineligible to sign a legally binding contract for another apartment.
At the courthouse, everything was incredibly fast paced, except the wait for lunch which provided ample time to fret about the outcome.
As it turned out, my anxiety was unwarranted. Immediately after lunch, we rushed back into the courthouse; I was brought before the judge without delay. After an explanation of the legal implications of emancipation, the judge asked me if I understood and agreed.
I affirmed that I understood and agreed to all the stated implications and requirements.
The request for emancipation was granted.
I was an adult...
Responsibilities ensued.
September 2012, age 16