25-5-26. Petition for emancipation--Procedure. A minor may petition the circuit court of the county in which he resides for a declaration of emancipation. The petition shall be verified and shall set forth with specificity all of the following:
(1) That he is at least sixteen years of age;
(2) That he willingly lives separate and apart from his parents or guardian with the consent or acquiescence of his parents or guardian;
(3) That he is managing his own financial affairs;
(4) That the source of his income is not derived from any activity declared to be a crime by the laws of the State of South Dakota or the laws of the United States.
Before the petition is heard, such notice as the court deems reasonable shall be given to the minor's parents, guardian, or other person entitled to the custody of the minor, or proof made to the court that their addresses are unknown, or that for other reasons such notice cannot be given. If a minor is a ward or dependent child of the state, notice shall be given to the appropriate state agency.
The court shall sustain the petition if it finds that the minor is a person that fulfills the requirements of this section and that emancipation would not be contrary to his best interest.
If the petition is sustained, the court shall forthwith issue a declaration of emancipation, which shall be filed by the clerk of court.
If the petition is denied, the minor may appeal to the Supreme Court.
If the petition is sustained, the parents or guardian may appeal to the Supreme Court if they have appeared in the proceeding and opposed the granting of the petition.
A declaration is conclusive evidence that the minor is emancipated.
Source: SL 1991, ch 211, § 3; SL 1993, ch 213, § 114.
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