Minor children (under the age of 18) are generally subject to the control and decision-making of their parents or legal guardians until they reach the age of majority (generally 18-21). This means that minor children are not able to override the decisions of their parents on life matters such as where the child lives, whether the child can leave the house on Friday night, whether the child can get married, and whether the child can work outside the home. And the law does not consider minor children able to enter into legally enforceable contracts.

But many states allow for a minor child to become emancipated and assume the responsibilities of adulthood before reaching the age of majority under limited circumstances—usually beginning at age 16-17. If a child joins the military or gets married before reaching the age of majority, or successfully petitions the court for emancipation (“to remove the disabilities of minority”), the child will be emancipated.

If a parent is obligated to pay child support and the child becomes emancipated before reaching the age of majority in the state, the parent may no longer have to pay child support. But the child support obligation in this circumstance does not terminate automatically, and the parent generally must seek an order terminating the support obligation from the court that issued the child support order. And if the child has special needs (health care, living, education), the parent may be required to pay child support even after the child reaches the age of majority or is emancipated.

In Nevada, minor children under the age of 18 are typically under the control and decision-making authority of their parents or legal guardians. This includes decisions about their residence, social activities, marriage, and employment. Minors are also generally unable to enter into legally binding contracts. However, Nevada law does allow for the possibility of emancipation, which grants minors the legal status of adults under certain conditions, such as marriage, military service, or through a court petition. Emancipation in Nevada can occur from the age of 16. When a minor is emancipated, they assume adult responsibilities and their parents are no longer responsible for their care or financial support. If a parent is paying child support and the child becomes emancipated, the obligation to pay support does not end automatically; the parent must seek a court order to terminate the obligation. It's important to note that if the child has special needs, the parent may still be required to provide support even after the child is emancipated or reaches the age of majority.