{"id":377116,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-legal-ages-laws.html"},"modified":"2023-01-24T09:12:05","modified_gmt":"2023-01-24T14:12:05","slug":"washington-legal-ages-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-legal-ages-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Legal Ages Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Washington 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 dictate what age individuals must be to get married, enter contracts, take out student loans, or make other legal decisions. Those under the "age of majority," or minors, are considered incapable of making such decisions in the eyes of the law.<\/p>\r\n

The state of Washington recognizes the age of majority as 18. When a minor reaches age 18, they are considered an adult thereafter. State laws also govern a minor’s ability to become emancipated from their parents or legal guardians, give consent for medical treatment, and other legal matters.<\/p>\r\n

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

Summary of Washington’s Legal Age Laws<\/h2>\r\n

A list of Washington’s legal age laws can be found in the table below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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

18 (R.C.W. \u00a7 26.28.010<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

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

By judicial petition at age 16 (R.C.W. \u00a7 13.64.020 et seq.<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

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

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

By guardian; if 14 or over may apply himself for court-appointed guardian; if under 14 application must be made to court through a relative or friend (R.C.W. \u00a7 4.08.050<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

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

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

21 (R.C.W. \u00a7 66.44.270<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/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