Ariel Winter 2015 News Update: 'Modern Family' Star Officially an Emancipated Minor

"Modern Family" actress, Ariel Winter, 17, has revealed she is officially emancipated from her mother. Following years of legal battle with Chrisoula Workman, the actress' estranged mom, the custody saga is finally over.

On her Twitter account, the actress said, "I am now officially emancipated!!! 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." She also thanked her elder sister, Shanelle Gray, and her father for their support, adding, "I really couldn't have done it without them."

The actress capped off her Twitter announcement last Saturday by thanking her fans as well. "Thank you for making my life so special! I can't wait to embark on my new adventures. ❤️ xo," the young star said. 

According to Time Magazine, Ariel's sister stood as her guardian since 2012, after the Department of Children and Family Services learned that her mother has been abusing her emotionally and physically. Workman also took control of her finances and million-dollar earnings as a television star. The actress belongs to the cast of one of the more successful family comedy series on television.  

Ariel was only 14 years old at the time of the order from Child Protective Services. Workman has been vigorously contesting the case since the ruling. But last May, both parties reached a settlement, just weeks after a trial was set to begin.

Ariel was also estranged from her own father years before, but the two have reconciled as soon as Workman was no longer in her life. In fact, Ariel's father saw her off to the prom recently, and she happily posted a photo of them together on her Instagram account. Despite her Hollywood commitments and the unusual custody case she has been trying to get approved in the courts, Ariel tries her very best to live a normal life.

Finally, the day she has been waiting for came, as the courts officially granted her request to divorce herself from her mother. The timing of it seems like a fitting end, as only last Mother's Day, Ariel paid tribute to Shanelle, whom she recognizes as her "mother."

Ariel's tribute for her sister partly reads, "You are my inspiration. I'm so thankful for everything you've done for me and for everything you've helped me accomplish. Without your love and support I wouldn't have become the person I am today." She posted a goofy photo of them together, with Ariel kissing Shanelle on the cheeks.