Every time a parent is lamenting, “They grow up so fast,†their children are probably responding, “Not fast enough!†The line between child and adult can be fuzzy, so how does the Yellowhammer State distinguish between minors and adults in the eyes of the law? This is an introduction to legal age laws in Alabama.
Age of Majority in Alabama
Every state has minor laws that dictate the "age of majority," or the age at which an citizen is considered an adult in the eyes of the law. Alabama draws that line at 19 years old, although minors still have certain legal rights and responsibilities. For example, under Alabama law, a 15-year old can enter into an insurance contract.
Alabama Age Statutes
Legal age laws in Alabama are highlighted in the table below.
| Age of Majority | 19 (Code of Alabama 26-1-1: Age of Majority Designated as 19 Years) |
| Eligibility for Emancipation | 18 (Code of Alabama 26-13-1: Relief of Minor Children for Nonage) |
| Contracts by Minors | Minor 15 or more at nearest birthday may contract for life, health, accident, annuity insurance; however, not bound by any unperformed agreement to pay premium (Code of Alabama 27-14-5: Power of Contract) |
| Minors' Ability to Sue | May sue through personal representative, next friend, or guardian ad litem; if 14 or over has 30 days to choose guardian ad litem (ARCP), Rule 17 (c), (d) |
| Minors' Consent to Medical Treatment | 14 (Code of Alabama 22-8-4: When Minor May Give Consent Generally) |
Legal Responsibilities of Minors and Parents
Alabama provides for a legal process, referred to as the “emancipation of a minor,†by which a person under the age of 19 can become an adult in the eyes of the law. While the age of majority in Alabama in 19, emancipation can allow for an 18-yr old minor to be responsible for his or her own decisions regarding education and other matters. In medical care cases, minors aged 14 and above may consent to treatment. Generally, juveniles will be treated as such in criminal cases, including age and status offenses, until they turn 19 or they are emancipated.
Alabama Legal Ages Laws: Related Resources
State laws determining legal ages cover a variety of topics and are subject to change over time. You can visit FindLaw’s Family Law section for additional articles and information on this topic.
Talk to an Attorney About Your Legal Age Questions
Whether you are a minor considering emancipation from your parents or have age-related questions about other legal processes, talking to an attorney is the best way to get the answers you seek. Get started today by reaching out to an Alabama family law attorney near you.
