Contract Questions and Answers

What is legal age?

Please see specific state for details and/or differences.

ALABAMA
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. In the state of Alabama, the legal age for most purposes is the age of nineteen (19). For particular information relative to legal age in Alabama, see Code Section 26-1-1. Its' effective date was July 22, 1975.

ALASKA
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The legal age in Alaska is the age of eighteen (18). This became effective in 1977. See Code Section 25.20.010.

ARIZONA
Legal age is defined as the age of majority. In the state of Arizona, legal age is eighteen (18) years for both men and women (see Revised Statute Section 1-215). However, in the case of consumption of alcoholic beverages, the legal age is twenty-one (21) years for both men and women. Children may contract for employment in the state of Arizona; however, the employment of children of specific ages may be prohibited in certain circumstances (see Section 23-230 et. seq. of the Arizona Statutes).

ARKANSAS
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The legal age in Arkansas is the age of eighteen (18). Drinking is permitted at the age of twenty-one (21). The age of majority is governed under Section 9.25-101. A form of license for marriage is provided for pursuant to Section 9-11-201; however, no marriage license shall be issued to anyone unless the female is at least the age of sixteen (16) and the male is at least the age of seventeen (17). For a male or female under the age of eighteen (18), a marriage license can only be issued with the written consent of the parent or guardian.

CALIFORNIA
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The recognized legal age in the state of California is eighteen (18) years or older. See the following Family Code Sections: 6500, 6501 and 6502.

COLORADO
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. Legal age in the state of Colorado is eighteen (18) years of age or older. See Code Section 13-22-101 with an effective date of July 1, 1973.

CONNECTICUT
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The legal age in the state of Connecticut is eighteen (18) years of age. See Title 1, Section 1-1D. The effective date of this statute was 1972. For general purposes, a person at the age of eighteen (18) may contract in the state of Connecticut.

DELAWARE
In the state of Delaware, anyone over the age of eighteen (18) is considered to be of legal age and an adult. See Section 1-302 and Section 1-701. Anyone over the age of eighteen (18) may contract freely without consideration of an adult. However, individuals under the age of eighteen (18) may engage in employment contracts under certain circumstances. Parents are responsible for liability up to $5,000, for their children under age eighteen (18) who live with them, in the event of any destruction or damage caused by the child. The person under the age of twenty-one (21) may not buy alcoholic beverages; see Section 4-904.

FLORIDA
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. In Florida, the legal age is eighteen (18) years of age. An individuals age of majority is covered under Section 743.07’, and that is eighteen (18) years of age for purposes such as contracting. For the consumption of alcohol, an individual in the state of Florida must be twenty-one (21) years of age. (See Section 561.15).

GEORGIA
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The legal age or age of majority in the state of Georgia is eighteen (18) years of age (See Code Section 74-104). Each state has its own unique age features and, in Georgia, a person under the age of sixteen (16) may not hunt deer. (See Section 45-518.)

HAWAII
In Hawaii, an individual may not be considered to reach the age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The legal age for contracting in the state of Hawaii is eighteen (18) years of age (See Code Section 5577.1). Hawaii has, as every other state, unique features relative to the regulation of individuals under age. For example, there is a curfew on individuals sixteen (16) years or younger between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. (See Section 577.16).

IDAHO
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The legal age in the state of Idaho is eighteen (18) years of age (See Code Section 32-101). No one under the age of nineteen (19) may consume alcoholic beverages. See proof of age requirement, Section 23-1013.

ILLINOIS
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor, depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The legal age to contract in the state of Illinois is eighteen (18). However, a mature minor, pursuant to 750 ILCS 30/3.2 which provides that a person sixteen (16) or older but under the age of eighteen (18) who has demonstrated an ability to manage his or her own affairs and to live independently from a parent or guardian, may be considered to be a person of legal age. For additional information relating to legal age in the state of Illinois, see 750 ILCS 30/1 et. seq.

INDIANA
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The legal age in the state of Indiana is eighteen (18) years for the purpose of contracting. Section 34-1-2-5.5. For consumption of alcoholic beverages, the legal age is twenty-one (21); therefore, it is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone who is a minor or under the age of twenty-one (21) in the state of Indiana. See Section 7.1-5-7-5.1.

IOWA
The legal age in the state of Iowa is the age of eighteen (18). The consent of parents or guardians is required for certain contracts or obligations if the individual is under the age of eighteen (18). For example, if an individual wishes to marry under the age of eighteen (18), parental consent is required (see Section 595.3 of the Code of Iowa).

In Probate matters, court has the authority to appoint a guardian for an individual who is a minor (an individual under the age of eighteen (18)). See Section 633.556 of the Code of Iowa. A guardian may also be appointed for a person or property of any person other than a minor under fourteen (14), upon that individual’s own application. See Section 633.557.

In Iowa, an individual obtains their majority by virtue of a marriage. Any individual who is convicted as an adult, even though under the age of eighteen (18), is considered to have reached the age of majority (see Section 599.1 Code of Iowa).

As to contracts, a minor is bound by his or her contract for life necessities and for any other contract in which an individual under eighteen (18) years of age engages, unless the contract is disaffirmed within a reasonable time after the individual reaches the age of majority or is otherwise emancipated. (See Section 599.2 of the Code of Iowa)

KANSAS
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The legal age for contract and for most others purposes in the state of Kansas is the age of eighteen (18). See Code Section 38-101. However, anyone who has obtained the age of sixteen (16) and is married is considered to have obtained the age of majority and is capable of contracting.

KENTUCKY
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The age of majority in the state of Kentucky is eighteen (18) years of age for all purposes except alcohol. For the consumption of alcohol, the legal age is twenty-one (21) years of age. (See Code Section 2.015.)

LOUISIANA
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The legal age or age of majority in the state of Louisiana is eighteen (18) years old. See Civil Code (CC Article 29.).

MAINE
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. In the state of Maine, the legal age to contract is the age of eighteen (18). See Section 34-A, 9004(6). A minor in the state of Maine is anyone who has not reached the age of eighteen (18). The effective date of this enactment was January 15, 1984.

MARYLAND
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The legal age for contracting in the state of Maryland is eighteen (18) years of age. See 1, 24. Section 3-209 prohibits employment under the age of fourteen (14), and Section 3-211 regulates employment for minors under the age of sixteen (16). The legal defense of a minority as to contracting may be asserted by a person under the age of eighteen (18). This may be somewhat contrary to the general rules governing contracts and minors in Maryland, however. It implies that no one other than a minor may assert this defense on the minor’s behalf and that a person who makes a contract while a minor, may not assert the defense on his or her own behalf at any time after he or she has reached the age of majority. But then, on the other hand, the general rule in Maryland has been that if a contract made by a minor is not beneficial to them, the contract is void and ab initio. Also, if it is of uncertain nature, it is voidable only at the election of the minor. In regard to voidable contracts, a minor may disaffirm the contract either reaching his or her minority or unless ratified by him or her, within a reasonable time after he or she has obtained his or her majority. Voidable contracts may also be disaffirmed by the minor’s privies in blood.

MASSACHUSETTS
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the age of legal capacity is eighteen (18) years. (Massachusetts Code 231:85P.) Other age limitations relate to various acts including criminal acts and the treatment of individuals under eighteen (18) years of age. For information relating to such treatment, see LAWCHEK CRIMINAL LAW, MASSACHUSETTS. There are other exceptions and features relative to minors including business or dealing in the state of Massachusetts as minors; however, the age of legal capacity is eighteen (18) years.

MICHIGAN
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The legal age of majority in Michigan is eighteen (18) years. The most current Age of Majority Act was passed in 1971, and relevant code sections may be found at 722.51 et. seq. Minor is also defined in the Michigan Probate Code at Section 700.8 to be a person less than eighteen (18) years of age.

MINNESOTA
The legal age in the state of Minnesota is eighteen (18) years of age for both males and females (see Sections 45.451). However, individuals who are under the age of eighteen (18) may engage in certain contracts including real estate contracts (Section 507.02). An individual under the age of eighteen (18) is liable for all cost of necessities through any contracts made for such necessities; however, any contracts other than for necessities are voidable and subject to rescission by an individual under the age of eighteen (18). In order for an individual under the age of eighteen (18) to engage in the litigation process, such individual must be represented by a guardian ad litem if under fourteen (14), otherwise, by general guardian or relative or next of friend.

MISSISSIPPI
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The legal age in the state of Mississippi is eighteen (18) years and older. Before one is considered competent to contract, they must be eighteen (18) years or older; however, that does not mean that people under the age of eighteen (18) years of age may not be able to contract under certain circumstances. See Section 93-19-13.

MISSOURI
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The accepted legal age for contracting in the state of Missouri is eighteen (18) years of age (see Code Section 431.055). Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) may contract under certain circumstances.

MONTANA
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. The legal age to officially contract in the state of Montana is eighteen (18) years of age. See Code Section 41-1-101. Individuals under certain circumstances may contract prior to reaching the age of eighteen (18).

NEBRASKA
Although an individual may not be considered to reach an age of majority until a specific time under state law, a minor may engage in contracting for necessities and/or other items including employment. Once performance is made, payment shall be made either to or by the minor depending upon whether the payment or whether the benefits to the contract are received or given by the minor. A parent cannot collect a second time when payment has been made to a minor for a service such as an employment service when rendered. A minor may, however, repudiate a contract within a reasonable time after reaching majority. In Nebraska, all persons under nineteen (19) years of age are declared to be minors. In cases in which any person marries under the age of nineteen (19) years, his or her minority ends. See Code Section 43.2101 of Nebraska laws.

NEVADA
The legal age in the state of Nevada is the age of eighteen (18). Anyone under the age of eighteen (18) is considered an infant, unless sixteen (16) years or older and emancipated by a court of law. Code Section 129.010. For emancipation to occur in Nevada, a person must be at least sixteen (16) years of age and must receive an order by a District Court in the county of the minor’s residence that states the sixteen (16) year old is a party who has been declared to be emancipated. Once a court provides such a declaration, the decree serves to remove all indications that the individual is a minor. Accordingly, anyone who has been emancipated who has reached the age of eighteen (18) may incur a legal indebtedness or a contractual obligation without the right of rescission. Such individual may also bring a cause of action through the legal process in their own name and may settle their own disputes. Such individuals, either those emancipated or reaching the age of eighteen (18), may acquire, encumber or convey property without the signature of a consenting adult. Emancipation, as well as reaching the age of eighteen (18), allows the individual to consent to their own medical, dental and psychiatric care, as well as, establish their own school enrollment and residence.

In the State of Nevada, minors are prohibited from purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages or possessing alcoholic beverages if they are under the age of twenty-one (21) years. If the individual is under the age of eighteen (18), they may not purchase cigarettes.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
The age of majority, or the legal age, in the state of New Hampshire is eighteen (18) years of age. The effective date of this legislation is June 3, 1973. For the consumption of alcohol beverages, the legal age is twenty-one (21) years of age. See Chapter 175, Section 6. Individuals under the age of majority, or in other words under the age of eighteen (18), have the right to contract under certain circumstances and in certain cases may rescind the contracts. Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) may also be stockholders in corporations, as well as, in building and loan associations and/or credit unions. Parents are not responsible for the negligent acts of children unless the parents themselves are independently negligent. Under certain circumstances, however, the parents or guardians may be ordered to make restitution to victims for acts caused by minors. See Code Chapter 169B, Section 45; see also Chapter 507, Section 8-e. In order to bring an action in court, a minor must use a next of friend. The next of friend is generally a parent. In any settlements that exceed $10,000, the court must approve such settlements.

NEW JERSEY
The legal age in the state of New Jersey is eighteen (18) years of age for both males and females. However, it is possible for individuals under the age of eighteen (18) to contract and if so, they may ratify their contracts once reaching majority, or in other words, the age of eighteen (18). Any ratification of contract obligation should be in writing. For real estate transactions of individuals who are under the age of eighteen (18), it would be necessary for a guardian or guardian ad litem, or a person having invested interest in the land, to join in the conveyance of anyone under the age of eighteen (18). In regard to obtaining the age of majority, see Title 9, Chapter 17B, Section 4.

NEW MEXICO
In New Mexico, the legal age or age of majority is age eighteen (18); however, the age of twenty-one (21) is required for the purchase of alcoholic beverages, see Section 28-6-1 of the New Mexico statute. An individual may become an emancipated individual by virtue of marriage. It should be noted that a married minor may join with a spouse in all conveyances, mortgages, leases, etc. with the same effect as though the minor spouse had obtained majority (see Section 40-3-15). Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) may contract for various needs and employment; however, they have the right of ratification of those contracts when reaching the age of majority.

NEW YORK
The legal age or age of majority in New York is eighteen (18) years for both men and women. (See Domestic Relations Law, Section 2.) However, individuals under the age of twenty-one (21) may not consume or procure alcoholic beverages pursuant to Section 65, Alcohol Beverage Control Law. Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) may contract; however, those individuals may disaffirm most contracts after reaching the age of majority. There are certain loans, the acquisition of medical care and insurance that may be contracted beneath the age of eighteen (18). Also, athletes and artists under the age of eighteen (18) may contract for their services. If an individual is under eighteen (18) and married, they may contract for the purchase of a home without the disaffirmance after reaching majority.

NORTH CAROLINA
In the state of North Carolina, the legal age is eighteen (18) years of age, see General Statutes of the state of North Carolina, Chapter 48A-1 and 48A-2. However, for the purchase of liquor, mixed beverages and wine the legal age is age twenty-one (21). See General Statutes of North Carolina Section 18B-302(b)(2).

An individual under the age of eighteen (18) may become emancipated upon marriage. A minor, age sixteen (16) years or older, may petition the court for a Decree of Emancipation. See Chapter 7A, 717 to 726. Minors (individuals under the age of eighteen (18) or individuals who were not emancipated) may contract and are permitted to ratify their contract by silence for a reasonable time, such as three (3) years after obtaining the age of majority. In situations involving medical care, the minor may consent to have medical treatment without first getting the approval of a parent/guardian under certain conditions.

NORTH DAKOTA
The legal age in the state of North Dakota is the age of eighteen (18). However, the legal age for drinking is the age of twenty-one (21). A parent in the state of North Dakota may relinquish to a child, the right of control and may also relinquish to the child, the child’s right to earnings. See Section 14-09-17 of the North Dakota Century Code. In North Dakota, a parent is responsible for a minor’s negligent operation of a motor vehicle, see Section 39-06-09. However, a parent is not liable for other torts of minors and other civil liability incurred by minors, see Section 14-10-03 of the North Dakota Century Code. Minors under the age of eighteen (18) may contract, however, they may disaffirm those contracts either before becoming of legal age or within one (1) year after becoming legal age, see Section 14-10-11, North Dakota Century Code. However, a minor may not disaffirm a contract for a reasonable value of support received.

OHIO
The legal age in the state of Ohio is eighteen (18) years of age. See Section 3109.01 of the Ohio Revised Code. In regard to intoxicating beverages, the age of twenty-one (21) is required (Section 4301.63 and 4301.632).

There are some restrictions regarding the employment of individuals under the age of eighteen (18) years. Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) may contract relative to performance of legal duty and for the purchase of necessity; however, those contracts may be voidable at the decision of the individual and disaffirm within a reasonable period of time after reaching the age of eighteen (18).

OKLAHOMA
The legal age in the state of Oklahoma is the age of eighteen (18); see Section 15-13 Oklahoma Statutes. For alcoholic beverages of 1-1/2 of 1% alcohol by volume, the legal age is twenty-one (21) years of age. See Section 37-537 of the Oklahoma Statutes. An individual under the age of eighteen (18) who is legally married may dispose of and contract relating to real estate acquired after marriage. However, an individual under the age of eighteen (18) may own real estate; see Section 16-32 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

An individual under the age of eighteen (18) may not disaffirm a contract for necessities or obligations entered by expressed authority or by statute; see Sections 15-20 and 15-21 of the Oklahoma Statutes. As to other contracts, a minor within one (1) year of reaching his age of majority or being emancipated, may disaffirm any other contracts that he has formed.

OREGON
The legal age in the state of Oregon is eighteen (18) years of age. However, a person may become emancipated upon marriage; see Section 109.510 and 109.520 of the Oregon Revised Statutes. In Oregon, the age of majority as to gifts is the age of twenty-one (21); see Section 126.805(1). Also in Oregon, an individual who is under eighteen (18) years of age may be emancipated by parental act or by decree.

Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) may engage in contracts for necessities including residential dwelling units and for utility services; see Section 109.697 of the Oregon Revised Statutes. Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) are also obligated for educational loans pursuant to Section 348.105 of the Oregon Revised Statutes. As to other contracts in the state of Oregon, those contracts may be voided upon an individual reaching the age of eighteen (18) or being otherwise emancipated. However, if the contract was fair and the minor received benefits, then the value which was received must be returned.

PENNSYLVANIA
In Pennsylvania, the legal age refers to any person under the age of twenty-one (21); see Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes 1* 1991. In matters of probate, estates and fiduciaries, a minor is defined to be a person who is under the age of eighteen (18) except as in regard to the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act. The Pennsylvania Consolidated Statute 20*102,5301.

Generally, individuals under the age of twenty-one (21) may be able to void a contract upon reaching legal age, except for contracts of necessities. However, individuals eighteen (18) years of age or more may engage in binding and legally enforceable contracts; see Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes 23*5101. Under certain circumstances, individuals who have obtained the age of eighteen (18) and have graduated from high school or are married or have been pregnant may engage in medical contracts or contracts of necessity. Individuals seventeen (17) years of age or older may enter into contracts involving certain loans.

RHODE ISLAND
In Rhode Island, the legal age is the age of eighteen (18) for both men and women; see Section 15-12-1. However, an individual must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older in order to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages; see Section 3-8-1 through 3-8-11.4. Additionally, an individual must be eighteen (18) years of age or older in order to purchase tobacco products; see Section 11-9-13. Under certain circumstances, individuals under the age of eighteen (18) may engage and be a part of a contract and may negotiate contractual rights under certain circumstances.

SOUTH CAROLINA
The legal age in the state of South Carolina is the age of eighteen (18) for both males and females. However, an individual must be twenty-one (21) years or older to purchase beer, wine or any form of alcoholic beverage. Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) may contract for necessities and may otherwise contract; however, said individual would have until age of majority to ratify the contracts that were made by them while a minor. Ratification should be in writing, see Section 20-7-240 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina. An exception to this regulation may relate to the borrowing of money as to expenses of attending any educational institution. The employment of minors must be with the consent of adults, except where the parent or guardian fails or refuses to furnish a home in support. See Section 41-13-40 Code of Laws of South Carolina.

SOUTH DAKOTA
In South Dakota, the legal age for individuals is the age of eighteen (18). This is true for both men and women. See Section 26-1-1 of South Dakota Codified Laws. The drinking age of alcoholic beverages is the age of twenty-one (21). Parents of minors may agree to an emancipation of an individual under the age of eighteen (18); see Section 25-5-19. Also, a minor may be emancipated if the minor enters into a valid marriage, is on active duty with the armed services, or is declared emancipated under the courts; see Section 25-5-24 of the South Dakota Codified Laws. Rescission or avoiding of a declaration of emancipation does not alter a contractual obligation arising during the period the declaration of emancipation in effect; see Section 25-5-27 of the South Dakota Codified Laws. The minor may contract and is bound to the contract under Section 26-2-1, unless the contract is disaffirmed as permitted by law; see Section 26-2-6.

TENNESSEE
The legal age in Tennessee is the age of eighteen (18) for both men and women. However, as to the purchase of alcoholic beverages, the legal age is twenty-one (21) years of age; see Section 1-3-113 of the Tennessee Code. In Tennessee, there is no provision for emancipation of an individual by virtue of marriage. However, a court may decree that an individual is no longer to be a minor for specific purposes; see Section 29-31-104 of the Tennessee Code.

An individual under the age of eighteen (18) may engage in contracts; however, such individual may disaffirm the contracts, other than a contract for necessities, within a reasonable time after reaching age of majority. An individual may ratify contracts, especially those made as a minor, once reaching majority.

TEXAS
The legal age or the age of majority in Texas is eighteen (18) for both men and women. However, a minor who is at least sixteen (16) years old and who lives apart from parents or guardian and who is self-supporting may petition to have the minority designation removed and become emancipated; see Section 31.01 of the Family Code of Texas. Individuals who are married become emancipated; see Section 4.03 of the Family Code of Texas.

Once an individual has reached the age of majority, they may confirm or disaffirm contracts into which they have entered while a minor. Otherwise, minors may contract in the state of Texas.

UTAH
Legal age in the state of Utah is eighteen (18) years for both men and women. However, a minor may obtain their majority by marriage; see Section 15-2-1 of the Utah Code. A minor may contract and is bound for the reasonable value of necessities and bound by his or her other contracts unless at legal age he or she disaffirms those contracts within a reasonable period of time. See Section 15-2-2 of the Utah Code.

VERMONT
The legal age in Vermont is the age of eighteen (18) for both males and females; see Section 1-173 of the Vermont Statues. An individual may become emancipated by virtue of marriage. The legal drinking age in Vermont is twenty-one (21).

An individual under the age of eighteen (18) may contract for virtually any purpose; however, any contract made by a person of the age of eighteen (18) is violable. If a minor receives benefits and seeks to avoid the contract, then restitution of the benefits received must be paid by the minor upon disaffirming of the contract.

VIRGINIA
The legal age in the state of Virginia is eighteen (18) years of age; see Section 1-13.42 of the Code of Virginia. Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed by anyone unless they are twenty-one (21) years of age.

Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) may engage in contracts; however, they may act to void the contract once reaching the age of majority. Under specific circumstances, individuals under the age of eighteen (18) may become depositors and hold checking accounts in banks, they may insure their own lives, and they may create valid liens for money borrowed providing they are not less than fifteen (15) years of age. Certain other legal rights exist for minors in the state of Virginia relating to marriage, college education, etc.

WASHINGTON
The legal age in the state of Washington is eighteen (18) years of age for both men and women; see Section 26.28.010 of the Revised Code of Washington. A person who is married is considered to be emancipated or of legal age; see Section 26.28.020 of the Revised Code of Washington. Normally, an individual must be eighteen (18) years old or older in order to enter into a contract. Minors may engage in contracts for necessities and other contracts; however, they have a reasonable period of time after reaching the age of eighteen (18) to rescind those contracts. If a contract is rescinded and the individual under the age of eighteen (18) has received benefits, then the individual receiving those benefits must pay back any money or property received by virtue of the contract; see Section 26.28.030 of the Revised Code of Washington.

WEST VIRGINIA
The legal age in the state of West Virginia is eighteen (18) years for both men and women; see Chapter 2, Article 3, Section 1 of the West Virginia Code. Individuals under the age of twenty-one (21) may not consume alcoholic beverages. If an individual under the age of eighteen (18) and over the age of sixteen (16) can establish that they are capable of their own support, they may petition to the court for their own emancipation. Once emancipated, an individual has all the rights and privileges of an individual of full age.

Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) may contract; however, ratification of the contracts are required and must be in writing; see Chapter 55, Article 1, Section 1 of the West Virginia Code.

WISCONSIN
The legal age in the state of Wisconsin is the age of eighteen (18) for both men and women; see Section 990.01(3) of the Wisconsin Statutes. In Wisconsin, an individual may contract under the age of eighteen (18); however, he or she is not responsible or liable for the contracts made while a minor except for necessity. However, a minor may reaffirm and ratify contracts that were made under the legal age once the individual reaches the age of majority or passes the age of eighteen (18). If an individual marries in the state of Wisconsin under the age of eighteen (18), that individual becomes emancipated and has the recognition of an adult; see Section 880.04(1) of the Wisconsin Statutes.

WYOMING
The legal age in the state of Wyoming is eighteen (18) years for both men and women; see Section 14-1-101 of the Wyoming Statutes. Individuals may become emancipated once they become married or become a member of the military service or if they have received a decree of emancipation from the courts pursuant to Section 14-1-201 and 14-1-203. Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) may contract; however, they have until they have reached the age of majority to ratify or rescind the contract. When legally married, a minor may consent to healthcare treatment to the same extent as if they are an adult. A minor may also consent to healthcare treatment if in inactive military service or when the parents or guardian of the child cannot be reached with due diligence.