The Age Of Majority

The age of majority is a term used by lawyers to describe the time in life after which a person is legally no longer considered a child.  In essence, it is an arbitrary time when a child becomes an adult in the eyes of the law.  Until fairly recently, the age of majority was set at 21 in most states.  Following the ratification of the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving 18-year-olds the right to vote in federal election, most states, including California, lowered their age of majority to 18.

At the age of majority, teenagers acquire the right to:

• Enter into binding contracts.

• Buy or sell property, including real estate and stock.

• Marry without the written consent of a parent or guardian and a judge.

• Sue or be sued in their own names.

• Compromise, settle, or arbitrate a claim.

• Make or revoke a will.

• Inherit property outright.

• Vote in national, state and local elections.

• Consent to all types of medical treatment.

• Join the military without parental consent.