UNIT I - GENERAL PROVISIONS
D. Terminology (705 ILCS 405/1-3), continued:
9. Emancipated Minor (7): Any minor 16 years of age or older who has been completely or partially emancipated under the Emancipation of Minors Act, which can be found at 705 ILCS 30/1.
It is the purpose and the policy of the Emancipation of Minors Act to provide a means by which a mature minor who has demonstrated the ability and the capacity to manage his own affairs and to live wholly or partially independent of his parents or guardian, to obtain the legal status of an emancipated person with powers to enter into valid legal contracts. This act is not intended to interfere with the integrity of the family or the rights of parents and their children. Orders of complete or partial emancipation may be entered under the Act if there is an objection by the minor, his parents or guardian. This Act does not limit or exclude any means, either in statute or case law, by which a minor may become emancipated.
Before proceeding to a hearing on a petition before the juvenile court regarding an emancipated minor, the court shall advise all persons present of the nature of the proceedings and their rights and responsibilities if an order of emancipation should be entered. If, after the hearing, the court determines that the minor is a mature minor who is of sound mind and has the capacity and maturity to manage his own affairs including his finances, and that the best interests of the minor and his family will be promoted by declaring the minor an emancipated minor, the court shall enter a finding that the minor is an emancipated minor within the meaning of this Act, or that the mature minor is partially emancipated with such limitations as the court by order deems appropriate.
