The 17-year-old, best known for playing the role of Alex Dunphy on Modern Family, took to her social media channels to announce that she has been officially emancipated.
Ariel’s statement read: “I am now officially emancipated!!!! I’m really lucky to have an amazing support system and lovely people in my life who have given me the support and guidance to have been given this wonderful opportunity. Most importantly I want to thank Shanelle Gray and my father for their special support regarding this matter, I really couldn’t have done it without them.”
“Thank you to all of my family, friends, and fans who have supported me through all of my endeavours in life, and have encouraged me. Thank you for making my life so special! I can’t wait to embark on my new adventures,” she added.
Ariel made the decision following a two-year family custody battle which began back in 2012, when sister Shanelle Gray filed to become her legal guardian. Gray claimed at the time that the girls’ mother had been physically and emotionally abusive to Ariel.
Almost a year later, Ariel’s brother, Jimmy Workman, proceeded to file for permanent custody of Ariel, which the court granted a year ago.
I am now officially emancipated!!! I'm really lucky I have an amazing support system and lovely people in my life… http://t.co/lJtlpGoEYc
— Ariel Winter (@arielwinter1) May 15, 2015
The matter was finally settled yesterday, with the court granting emancipation to Winter.
