{"id":372764,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:02","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-legal-ages-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-01-16T17:26:53","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T22:26:53","slug":"georgia-legal-ages-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-legal-ages-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Georgia Legal Ages Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Georgia Legal Ages Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

State laws recognize the capacity of individuals to enter into marriage or otherwise make legal decisions, which includes both mental capacity and maturity. Those under the "age of majority," or "minors," are considered incapable of such legal decisions. Georgia recognizes age 18 as the age of majority, the age at which state residents are legally considered adults, as do most other states. State laws also govern a minor’s eligibility to become emancipation, give consent to medical treatment, and other legal matters.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides a brief overview of the legal age statutes in Georgia.<\/p>\r\n

Georgia Legal Ages Laws: At a Glance<\/h2>\r\n

The specifics of Georgia’s legal age laws are listed in the following table and in the descriptive summary below. See FindLaw’s Emancipation of Minors<\/a> section for additional articles and resources.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Age of Majority<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

18 (Ga. Code Ann. \u00a7 39-1-1<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Eligibility for Emancipation<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Contracts by Minors<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Generally voidable; however, if benefits continue after the minor turns age 18, the contract is valid (Ga. Code Ann. \u00a7 13-3-20<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Minors’ Ability to Sue<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

A suit started by the infant alone is not void, but a guardian or next friend must be appointed before the verdict (Ga. Code Ann. \u00a7 9-2-28<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Minors’ Consent to Medical Treatment<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Legal Age for Alcohol and Tobacco\/E-cigarette Purchase and\/or Consumption<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

21 (Ga. Code Ann. \u00a7 3-3-23.1<\/a> and \u00a7 16-12-171(a)(1)(A)<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Georgia Legal Ages Laws: Related Resources<\/h2>\r\n