Emancipation of a minor is a legal process by which a minor is freed from control by his or her parents or guardians, and the parents or guardians are freed from any and all responsibility toward the child. Until an emancipation is granted by a court, a minor is still subject to the rules of their parents or guardians. People are minors (and therefore under the control of their parents or guardians) until they attain the age of majority (which in most states is set at 18 years old). However, in special circumstances, a minor can be freed from control by their guardian before turning 18. In most states, the circumstances in which a minor becomes emancipated are enlisting in the military and marriage, both of which require parent or guardian consent, or obtaining a court order from a judge.