Modern Family actress has been emancipated from her parents

Los Angeles - Ariel Winter has been legally emancipated from her parents.

The Modern Family actress, who was removed from her mother Chrisoula Workman's home in October 2012 amid allegations of abuse and placed in the care of her sister Shanelle Gray, shared her joy on Twitter after a judge signed off on court documents freeing her from her parents' control.

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 brunette beauty paid special tribute to Shanelle and her father, Glenn Workman, for supporting her throughout the ordeal.

She wrote: "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.''

Chrisoula, who vehemently denied abusing the starlet, agreed last May that Ariel could continue living with Shanelle after a lengthy court battle and they released a joint statement at the time, saying: "The family has moved beyond the conflict."

Although Shanelle is Ariel's biological sister, the 17-year-old considers her as a mother figure after paying special tribute to her on Mother's Day...

Happy Mother's Day to the most amazing mother and sister out there @shanelle_gray! I lov… http://t.co/qkxn2E8Ry5 pic.twitter.com/s5udHiIEli

— Ariel Winter (@arielwinter1) May 11, 2015