Even though minors may be under the age of majority, in some states certain actions on their part may cause them to be emancipated from their parents' care and control even without seeking a court order. These actions are usually limited to the following:

• Joining the armed forces
• Getting married
• Reaching the actual age of majority (which is usually eighteen years of age)

The state of Michigan also allows for a temporary automatic emancipation when minors are in police custody and emergency medical care is required. In such cases, minors are considered emancipated and allowed to consent to such care. This emancipation ends when the medical care or treatment is completed.