{"id":374614,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:51","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/montana-law\/montana-legal-ages-laws.html"},"modified":"2022-12-14T10:43:05","modified_gmt":"2022-12-14T15:43:05","slug":"montana-legal-ages-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/montana-law\/montana-legal-ages-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Montana Legal Ages Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Montana 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

Montana, as do many other states, recognizes 18 years old as the "age of majority," at which point residents are legally considered adults (as opposed to "minors"). But Montana legal ages laws<\/a> also govern a minor’s eligibility for emancipation, the legal capacity for signing a contract<\/a> or consenting to medical treatment<\/a>. Also, the legal age for alcohol and tobacco consumption in all states is 21. Any minor petitioning a Montana court for emancipation \u2014 that is, being declared an adult in the eyes of the law \u2014 must be a Montana resident, 16 years old, and able to support and manage one’s own affairs.<\/p>\r\n

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

Montana Age Statutes: At a Glance<\/h2>\r\n

The table below highlights some of the main provisions of Montana’s legal ages laws. See Emancipation of Minors<\/a> and Parental Liability Basics<\/a> for related information.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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

18 (M.C.A. \u00a7 41-1-101<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

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

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

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

A minor may enforce their rights by civil action or other legal proceedings in the same manner as a person of full age, except that a guardian shall conduct the action or proceedings (M.C.A. \u00a7 41-1-202<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

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

Yes, if emancipated; separated from parents and self-supporting; pregnant; has a communicable disease, or addicted to alcohol or drugs; has had a child or graduated from high school; needs emergency care (M.C.A. \u00a7 41-1-402<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

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

21 (M.C.A. Title 16, Chapter 6<\/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

Research the Law<\/h2>\r\n