Connecticut Legal Ages Laws

With a thriving metropolis like New York City next door, it is important to know the legal age requirements in a Connecticut. When it comes to the legal system, the line is generally pretty clear when separating minors from adults. With that in mind, here is a brief breakdown of legal age requirements in the state.

Age of Majority in Connecticut

The age at which an individual is considered an adult in the eyes of the law, or the "age of majority," is 18 in most states, including Connecticut. For those under the age of 18, legal age laws dictate certain rights and responsibilities of minors.

Connecticut Age Statutes

The Connecticut General Statutes sections are listed in the chart below. Section 1-1d, for instance, states that:

Except as otherwise provided by statute, on and after October 1, 1972, the terms “minor”, “infant” and “infancy” shall be deemed to refer to a person under the age of eighteen years and any person eighteen years of age or over shall be an adult for all purposes whatsoever and have the same legal capacity, rights, powers, privileges, duties, liabilities and responsibilities as persons heretofore had at twenty-one years of age, and “age of majority” shall be deemed to be eighteen years.

See Sec. 1-1d. “Minor”, “infant”, “infancy”, “age of majority”, defined. The rest of the basics of Connecticut legal ages laws are highlighted in the following chart.

Age limits for marrying and other legal acts can change from state to state. Generally, the differences in age laws reflect varying community and societal values regarding a minor’s level of responsibility and decision-making. For instance, while a 14-year-old in Louisiana may be old enough to sue another party in court, he or she would have to be 18 or emancipated to file suit in Connecticut.

Legal Responsibilities of Minors and Parents

There is a legal process by which a minor can become an adult in the eyes of the law, referred to as the emancipation of a minor. While Connecticut sets the standard age of majority at 18, emancipation can allow for a minor to be responsible for his or her own wellbeing and make all of his or her own decisions regarding school, healthcare, and other matters. Until they are emancipated or turn 18, juveniles normally will be treated as such in criminal cases, including age and status offenses.

Connecticut Legal Age Laws: Related Resources

State laws can change frequently. You can visit FindLaw’s family law section for additional articles and resources. If you would like legal assistance with a family law or juvenile case, you can contact a Connecticut family law attorney in your area.