By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed December 14, 2022
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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. The state of Louisiana recognizes the age of majority as age 18.
When a minor reaches age 18 in Louisiana, 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, purchase and consume alcohol, and other legal matters.
This article provides a brief overview of Louisiana's legal age statutes.
The basics of Louisiana legal age laws are highlighted in the following chart. See FindLaw's Emancipation of Minors section for additional articles and resources.
Age of Majority |
18 (L.A. Civ. Code art. 29) |
|---|---|
Eligibility for Emancipation |
|
Contracts by Minors |
A contract by a minor may be rescinded on the grounds of incapacity, except when made for the purpose of providing the minor with necessaries, such as in support of education or business (L.A. Civ. Code art 1923) |
Minors' Ability to Sue |
A minor may sue through a tutor or parent (L.A. Civ. Code art. 683) |
Minors' Consent to Medical Treatment |
|
Legal Age for Alcohol, Tobacco, or E-cigarette Purchase and/or Consumption |
21 (L.A. Rev. Stat. § 14:93.11 and § 14:91.8) |
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.
There is a legal process by which a minor can become an adult in the eyes of the law, referred to as the emancipation of a minor. While Louisiana sets the standard age of majority at 18, emancipation can allow a minor to be responsible for their own well-being and make all of their own decisions regarding school, healthcare, and other matters. Until they are emancipated or turn 18, juveniles normally will be treated as such in criminal cases, including age and status offenses.
Louisiana's legal age laws are designed to provide guidelines for the behavior of minors in the state. Are you under 18 and interested in getting married or emancipated? If you're a minor who needs to know more information about how the legal age laws impact your life, then you should contact an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights or can assist with the emancipation process.
Get legal professional help from a Louisiana family law attorney.
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