Father claims emancipation, court rules no support19 yrs old, parents divorcing. I've been heavily involved in equestrian sports since age ...

Question

Father claims emancipation, court rules no support

19 yrs old, parents divorcing. I've been heavily involved in equestrian sports since age 2. Trained entire life to become professional trainer/Olympic rider. Traveled to FL for horse show circuit every year. Graduated high school June 05. Mother sick with cancer beginning in Spring 05. Father refused care, left me to care for mother. Forced to defer college acceptance until mother's recovery. Returned to FL for winter horse show circuit, Jan '06. Rec'd opportunity to enroll in 4-yr professional training program with horse. Schooling for 4 years to receive professional status and enter into equestrian field as pro. Parents encouraged & supported. Put up in one of our winter homes for the course of my schooling. Trained for 6 mos. Returned to NY on many occassions during school breaks. Domestic situation at home got worse. Sept '06, father snaps, beats & rapes mother, threatens to kill her. She flees home, I stay behind to give her time to get away. I flee back to FL end of Sept. Divorce filed Oct '06. Father heavily involved with police/court, all friends. Has private meetings w/ Judge. Father's claimed I'm emancipated since '05. Court agrees, child support & schooling fees denied. Need intervention advice, no one will listen!

Answer

Re: Father claims emancipation, court rules no support

Hi:

I am sorry for your situation. Since your parents got divorced after the age of your emancipation and your father sounds like a creep, the judge made the only ruling he could.

That being said, hold on to your dream, I presently live in Wellington, which is big horse country. You should pursue apprentiships, etc.

Good Luck