Modern Family Star Ariel Winter Emancipated Following Three Year Custody Battle

Modern Family favourite Ariel Winter has been officially emancipated, after a year-long custody battle with her mother Chrisoula Workman. The 17-year old was placed in the care of her older sister in 2012, after the Department of Children and Family Services found evidence that the teen actress was subjected to emotional abuse by her mother. In a tweet marking the occasion, Ariel thanked her ‘amazing support system’ of family,friends and fans during the distressing time:

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

She also gave a special mention to her sister and father, writing: “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.” According to E! News, Workman fought the court's decision until last May, when she settled the case just before the mother and daughter would have gone to trial.