Generally in Massachusetts there is a bigger definition, but it is generally 18 or up to 23 years old for full time students.  The Courts looks at whether emancipation has occurred as a question of fact; and what they will look at is looking at the relevant facts and circumstances surrounding each particular case.  There are questions about whether or not a child; particularly, after 18 is principally dependant upon the custodial parent or not.  So most times the answer is yes, but there are exceptions where you can argue that if someone is working full time and going to school, paying rent to a parent that child might not in fact be emancipated.