Ariel Winter, ‘Modern Family’ Star, Granted Emancipation From Mother

Modern Family actress Ariel Winter celebrated her emancipation from her estranged mother on Twitter Friday.

Ariel Winter Emancipated

“I am now officially emancipated!!!” Winter wrote on Twitter. “I’m really lucky I 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 (sister) @shanelle_gray and my father for their special support regarding this matter, I really couldn’t have done it without them,” she added. “Thank you to all of my family, friends, and fans who have supported me through all of my endeavors in life, and have encouraged me. Thank you for making my life so special! I can’t wait to embark on my new adventures.”

Winter, 17, has long been fighting for emancipation from her mother Chrisoula Workman with the help of her adult sister Shanelle Gray. Gray first filed to become Winter’s legal guardian in October 2012, alleging that Workman was unfit to care for Winter due to ongoing physical and emotional abuse.

Workman ultimately agreed to no longer contest the suit in May of last year, leading a Los Angeles judge to grant full guardianship of Winter to Gray. Winter’s father Glenn Workman was granted guardian of Winter’s finances.