It seems like the oldest battle between parents and their children: Mom and dad say, “They grow up so fast!†Meanwhile the kids are always saying, “Not fast enough!†It’s the constant back-and-forth of when to treat our kids like adults. But what does the legal system have to say on the matter? Where does the law draw the line between minors and adults? This is a brief overview of legal age laws in Oregon.
Age of Majority in Oregon
States have their minor laws designating the "age of majority," or the age at which a citizen is considered an adult in the eyes of the law. For just about every state, the default age is 18. Minors under the age of 18 still retain certain rights and responsibilities in specific circumstances. For instance, a 14-year old can consent to mental health treatment under Oregon law.
Oregon Age Statutes
The details of Oregon’s legal ages statutes are listed in the chart below.
| Age of Majority | 18 Oregon Revised Statutes 109.510, et seq.: Age of Majority |
| Eligibility for Emancipation | By marriage or court decree (109.520; 419B.552) |
| Contracts by Minors | Valid for necessaries and education; any others voidable upon attaining majority (common law) |
| Minors' Ability to Sue | By conservator, guardian or guardian ad litem (R. Civ. Pro. 27(A)) |
| Minors' Consent to Medical Treatment | 15 or older may consent to any treatment; 14 or older may consent to mental health or substance abuse treatment; any age may consent to venereal disease treatment Oregon Revised Statutes 109.610, et seq.: Rights of Minors |
Legal Responsibilities of Minors and Parents
Most states have a legal process whereby a minor can become an adult in the eyes of the law. This is normally called the emancipation of a minor, can allow for a minor under the age of 18, and as young as 14, to be responsible for his or her own decisions regarding healthcare, education, and other matters. Before a juvenile is emancipated or turns 18, he or she will normally be treated as such in criminal cases, including age and status offenses.
Oregon Legal Ages Laws: Related Resources
State laws determining legal ages and the rights of minors vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. You can find more information and resources in FindLaw’s section on Family Law. You can also contact an Oregon family law attorney if you would like legal advice regarding a juvenile case or a family law matter.
