"Emancipation" is a legal term which means that a minor is basically considered an adult.  When a minor is emancipated, the parents no longer have any legal rights or control over the child.  However, this also means that the parents have no responsibility for the child.  The parent of an emancipated child is not required to feed, clothe, or provide financial assistance. 

In South Carolina, a person is emancipated automatically on his or her 18th birthday.  However, there are a few ways to be emancipated prior to turning 18.