Prior to reaching the age of majority, people are known as "minors." When a person reaches the age of majority, they are legally recognized as an adult.
While in most states the age of majority is 18, it's 21 in Colorado. However, most age-related privileges come at the age of 18 in the state.
Continue reading for a breakdown of laws related to age in Colorado.
Laws Related to Age in Colorado
The table below explains some of the legal age laws in Colorado.
Age of Majority & Other Age-Related Rights
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- The age of majority in Colorado is 21.
- At 21 years old, a person in Colorado can purchase alcohol or tobacco and nicotine products. At this age, they can also enter a casino and buy marijuana products.
- At 18 years old, a person can purchase lottery tickets, pawn their things, get married without their parents' consent, and vote.
- At the age of 18, someone is also legally permitted to purchase and possess guns. However, children under 18 can shoot at a gun range and go hunting with a valid license.
- An 18-year-old is also considered an adult for crimes committed.
- At 16, a child can marry without the consent of a parent or guardian, if that consent cannot be obtained. In cases where minors at or below this age would like to marry, a court must first attempt to obtain the parents' or guardians' consent. However, if that consent cannot be obtained within a reasonable period of time, the minors wishing to marry may do so regardless of consent from a parent or guardian.
- Before 15 years old, a child can't consent to sexual activity. Even if it appears as if someone of this age has consented to sexual activity, this is likely to be considered statutory rape.
- At 12, a child may object to the appointment of a guardian if their parent passes away.
- Also, at 12, an adoption can't be finalized without the child's consent.
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Eligibility for Emancipation
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- Colorado doesn't have an emancipation statute.
- Emancipation generally occurs when a child reaches the age of majority (21). However, emancipation can occur earlier due to marriage and by entering active duty in the military.
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Contracts by Minors
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Children can't enter into contracts, or at least be held responsible for upholding their end of a contract, until they are 18 years old. |
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Minor's Ability to Sue
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Children can't sue without a guardian or representative until they reach the age of 18. |
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Minor's Consent to Medical Treatment
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While still a minor, children have some control over what happens to their bodies and health. A child of any age can:
It's important to note that a person must be over the age of 18 to obtain information about birth control without parental consent or notification. Colorado's “Parental Notification Act" means that a person can't get an abortion without notifying their parents. They do not need their parents' permission. They only need to notify their parents. In other words, there is a judicial bypass for notification. |
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Note: State laws change all the time. Please verify the state law(s) you are researching by conducting your own legal research.
Colorado Legal Ages: Additional Resources
For more information related to age-requirements in Colorado law, consider reviewing the following resources:
Need More Help? Contact an Attorney Today
Legal age laws help you understand what you can and cannot do when you are a minor. If you're a minor concerned with your rights under Colorado legal age laws, then you should get legal help from a local family law attorney. An attorney can guide you through the details of the emancipation process or can assist you with other issues that arise under these laws.