If you reside someplace else, check with your local court to see if the paperwork and information are available. Emancipation is the procedure by which a court officially declares a minor child under the age of 18 to be an adult. If a Nevada juvenile is at least 16 years old, he or she can petition the court for emancipation. The petitioner must provide evidence that the child has reached the age of 18, is able to care for himself or herself, and wants to be declared an adult. A lawyer should assist the client in preparing the papers needed to petition the court for emancipation. In addition to the requirements for emancipation, there are other criteria that must be satisfied before a court will grant a petition. For example, the court may not allow a child who is emancipated illegally to be reinstated. The petitioner must show that the child meets the legal definition of adulthood and explain why public policy supports allowing the child to be declared an adult. The court may ask for proof of identity, proof of income, or any other proof that it deems necessary. A parent or guardian cannot stop a child from being emancipated. However, if the parent believes that becoming an adult is not in the best interest of the child, he or she can file a motion with the court asking it to reconsider its decision. As long as there is no pending case against the emancipated person, his or her records will be destroyed.