Georgia § 15-11-721 - Petition requirements.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-721 — Petition requirements., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 15-11-721. Petition requirements.

A child seeking emancipation shall file a petition for emancipation in the juvenile court in the county where such child resides. The petition shall be signed and verified by the petitioner and shall include: The petitioner's full name and birth date and the county and state where the petitioner was born; A certified copy of the petitioner's birth certificate; The name and last known address of the petitioner's parent, guardian, or legal custodian and, if no parent, guardian, or legal custodian can be found, the name and address of the petitioner's nearest living relative residing within this state; The petitioner's present address and length of residency at that address; A declaration by the petitioner demonstrating the ability to manage his or her financial affairs together with any information necessary to support the declaration; A declaration by the petitioner demonstrating the ability to manage his or her personal and social affairs together with any information necessary to support the declaration; and The names of individuals who have personal knowledge of the petitioner's circumstances and believe that under those circumstances emancipation is in the best interests of the petitioner. Such individuals may include any of the following: A licensed physician, physician assistant, or osteopath; A registered professional nurse or licensed practical nurse; A licensed psychologist; A licensed professional counselor, social worker, or marriage and family therapist; A school guidance counselor, school social worker, or school psychologist; A school administrator, school principal, or school teacher; A member of the clergy; A law enforcement officer; or If the petition provided for under subsection (a) of this Code section is based on the petitioner's desire to enter into a valid marriage, the petitioner shall: An attorney. Be at least 17 years of age; In addition to the requirements provided for under subsection (a) of this Code section, include in such petition the name, age, date of birth, and address of residence of the intended spouse; Include a statement of the reasons why the petitioner desires to marry, how the parties came to know each other, and how long they have known each other; and Attach copies of any criminal records of either party to be married and of any family violence or stalking protective order issued to protect or restrain either party to be married. (Code 1981, § 15-11-721 , enacted by Ga. L. 2013, p. 294, § 1-1/HB 242; Ga. L. 2019, p. 558, § 2-1/HB 228.) The 2019 amendment, effective July 1, 2019, designated the existing provisions as subsection (a); deleted the comma following "petitioner" in the second sentence of the introductory language of subsection (a); and added subsection (b).

Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 15-11-721

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-721 cover?

Section 15-11-721 ("Petition requirements.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Georgia § 15-11-721?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-721" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Georgia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.

How does Georgia § 15-11-721 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.