Criteria for determining whether a decree declaring emancipation is in the minor’s best interest vary among the states. However, certain criteria can commonly be found:

• The minors’ ability to support themselves financially, either currently or in the future
• The minors are currently living apart from their parents or have made adequate arrangements for future housing
• The minors can adequately make decisions for themselves
• The minors are attending school or have already received a diploma
• The minors exhibit sufficient maturity to function as adults