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Ariel Winter Officially Emancipated: “I’m Really Lucky I Have an Amazing Support System”

Ariel Winter
Modern Family star Ariel Winter is officially emancipated following a three-year long custody battle

It’s a new day for this Modern Family star. After a three-year long custody battle, Ariel Winter announced via Twitter on Friday, May 15, that she’s officially emancipated.

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“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,” Winter, 17, tweeted.

She continued: “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 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.”

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Winter was removed from her mother Chrisoula “Chrystal” Workman’s home in November 2012 amid allegations of physical and emotional abuse. In May 2014, her older sister Shanelle Gray was named her permanent guardian.

Ariel Winter
Ariel Winter and Shanelle Gray

Winter has grown much closer with her sibling since the transition, and recently posed for a sweet photo with her dad Glenn Workman before heading to prom. Earlier this month, she also paid tribute to Gray on Mother’s Day.

Related: PHOTOS: Awkward celebrity prom poses

“I love you more than words can even describe and I’m so lucky to have you as my sister. You’re an amazing mother, an amazing sister, and an amazing wife, among many other things,” Winter captioned an Instagram pic of the two on May 10. “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.”

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