Section 15-11-205. (Effective until January 1, 2014) Hearing; fraud in securing emancipation; appeals

   (a) The hearing on the petition for emancipation shall be before a judge; and the court shall issue an emancipation order if it determines that emancipation is in the best interest of the minor and the minor establishes:

   (1) That the minor's parent or guardian does not object to the petition; or if a parent or guardian objects to the petition, that the best interest of the child is served by allowing the emancipation to occur by court order;

   (2) That the minor is a resident of this state;

   (3) That the minor has demonstrated the ability to manage his or her financial affairs, including proof of employment or other means of support; the term "other means of support" does not include general assistance or aid received from means-tested public assistance programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or similar programs under Title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act;

   (4) That the minor has the ability to manage his or her personal and social affairs, including, but not limited to, proof of housing; and

   (5) That the minor understands his or her rights and responsibilities under this article as an emancipated minor.

(b) A minor who petitions the court for emancipation shall have the burden of showing by a preponderance of evidence that emancipation should be ordered.

(c) If the court issues an emancipation order, the court shall retain a copy of the order until the emancipated minor becomes 25 years of age.

(d) An emancipation obtained by fraud is voidable. Voiding an emancipation order does not affect an obligation, responsibility, right, or interest that arose during the period of time the order was in effect.

(e) The minor or a parent or guardian of the minor may appeal the court's grant or denial of an emancipation petition. The appeal shall be filed in the Court of Appeals.

Code 1981, § 15-11-205, enacted by Ga. L. 2006, p. 141, § 1/HB 847; Ga. L. 2008, p. 324, § 15/SB 455.