Rule 501 - Emancipation Generally(a) Scope. These rules and A.R.S. §§ 12-2451 through 12-2456 govern procedures for the emancipation of minors.(b) Definitions. In emancipation proceedings the following definitions apply: (1)"Petitioner" means the minor seeking emancipation.(2)"Respondent" means any parent or guardian of the petitioner.(3)"Parent" means the child's biological, adoptive, or legal mother or father whose rights have not been terminated. "Parent" does not include a person whose paternity has not been established pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-812 or § 25-814.(4)"Guardian" means a legally appointed guardian.(c) Allegations of Abuse or Neglect. If at any time during emancipation proceedings there is an allegation of child abuse or neglect, the court may stay the proceedings under A.R.S. § 12-2452(A) and require DCS to investigate the allegation and submit a written report to the court.(d) Appointment of a GAL. The court may appoint a GAL for the petitioner at any time during an emancipation proceeding. The court may assess the parent or guardian for the cost of the GAL.(e) Public Access to Records and Hearings.(1)Emancipation Record. The court must maintain the record of an emancipation case as a public record, but for good cause, the court may order the record closed pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 123.(2)Hearings. Emancipation hearings must be open to the public, unless the court makes a written finding that closing the hearing is necessary to protect a party or there is a clear public interest in confidentiality.(f) Fee Reduction or Waiver. At any time before or at the hearing the court, based on financial hardship, may reduce or waive the fee prescribed in A.R.S. § 12-284 for filing an emancipation petition.Adopted Dec. 8, 2021, effective 7/1/2022.