text: how can i as a minor become an adult at the age of 16?   you would need to be granted emancipation by a court.    emancipation laws vary by state and not all states have an emancipation statute, which doesn’t mean that you can’t petition for it, because you can pretty ask the court for whatever you want, but in those states there is no actual ‘procedure’ in place.  you need to check the laws of your state. at a minimum you would be required to prove that you are capable of fully supporting yourself--paying for rent/utilities/food/medical expenses/etc with no assistance from anyone. you would also have to provide a *valid* reason that emancipation would be in your best interest. the court could require other things as well.  the court can deny emancipation for any reason that it sees fit, including, but not limited to, their belief that you lack the maturity/ability to function as an adult.  generally speaking, it is not a quick or easy process, and more often than not, it is denied.