ARTICLE 2. Procedure for Declaration [7120. - 7123.]

Cal. Family Code - FAM 2.

in effect

Cal. Family Code - FAM § 7120. Section 7120.

(a) A minor may petition the superior court of the county in which the minor resides or is temporarily domiciled for a declaration of emancipation. (b) The petition shall set forth with specificity all of the following facts: (1) The minor is at least 14 years of age. (2) The minor willingly lives separate and apart from the minor’s parents or guardian with the consent or acquiescence of the minor’s parents or guardian. (3) The minor is managing their own financial affairs. As evidence of this, the minor shall complete and attach a declaration of income and expenses as provided in Judicial Council form FL-150. (4) The source of the minor’s income is not derived from any activity declared to be a crime by the laws of this state or the laws of the United States.

Cal. Family Code - FAM § 7121. Section 7121.

(a) Before the petition for a declaration of emancipation is heard, notice the court determines is reasonable shall be given to the minor’s parents, guardian, or other person entitled to the custody of the minor, or proof shall be made to the court that their addresses are unknown or that for other reasons the notice cannot be given. (b) The clerk of the court shall also notify the local child support agency of the county in which the matter is to be heard of the proceeding. If the minor is a ward of the court, notice shall be given to the probation department. If the child is a dependent child of the court, notice shall be given to the county welfare department. (c) The notice shall include a form whereby the minor’s parents, guardian, or other person entitled to the custody of the minor may give their written consent to the petitioner’s emancipation. The notice shall include a warning that a court may void or rescind the declaration of emancipation and the parents may become liable for support and medical insurance coverage pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 4000) of Part 2 of Division 9 and Sections 17400, 17402, 17404, and 17422.

Cal. Family Code - FAM § 7122. Section 7122.

(a) The court shall sustain the petition if it finds that the minor is a person described by Section 7120 and that emancipation would not be contrary to the minor’s best interest. (b) If the petition is sustained, the court shall forthwith issue a declaration of emancipation, which shall be filed by the clerk of the court. (c) A declaration is conclusive evidence that the minor is emancipated.

Cal. Family Code - FAM § 7123. Section 7123.

(a) If the petition is denied, the minor has a right to file a petition for a writ of mandate. (b) If the petition is sustained, the parents or guardian have a right to file a petition for a writ of mandate if they have appeared in the proceeding and opposed the granting of the petition.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026