Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated March 10, 2018
Parents say it all the time about their children: “They grow up so fast!” And the kids always respond: “Not fast enough.” So where does the legal system draw the line between minors and adults? Here's a brief summary of legal age laws in Maryland.
Most states, including Maryland, have minor laws that state that 18 is the "age of majority," which is the age at which a citizen is considered an adult in the eyes of the law. Minors, or those under the age of 18, still have certain rights and responsibilities. As an example, under Maryland law, a 16-year old can consent to treatment for an emotional disorder.
Legal ages in Maryland are highlighted in the chart below.
Age of Majority |
18 |
Eligibility for Emancipation |
Married minor may buy or sell property and to join in deed, mortgage, lease, notes if spouse is of age (Est. & Tr. Art. 13 §503(a)); age 15 re insurance and cannot repudiate on basis of minority (Est. & Tr. Art. 13 §503(c)); or if in military, can enter into real estate transactions (Est. & Tr. Art. 13 §503 (b)) |
Contracts by Minors |
If not beneficial to minor, void ab initio, not ratifiable; if beneficial to minor or uncertain as to benefit or prejudice, voidable by infant, may be ratified at age 18; ratification may be express or through acceptance of benefits; voidable contract may be disaffirmed by minor during minority or reasonable time after age 18 (COML Art. 1 §103) |
Minors' Ability to Sue |
By guardian, next friend, or parent |
Minors' Consent to Medical Treatment |
If married or a parent or seeking help with drug use, alcoholism, VD, sexual assault, pregnancy, contraception, or if seeking consent would be life threatening (Health Gen. Art. 20 §102); minor 16 or older can consent to treatment for emotional disorder (Health Gen. Art. 20 §104) |
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, called the emancipation of a minor, by which a minor can become an adult in the eyes of the law. Although the age of majority in Maryland is 18, emancipation can allow for a minor as young as 15 to be responsible for his or her own decisions regarding school, healthcare, and other matters. In most cases, until they are emancipated or they turn 18, juveniles will normally be treated as such in criminal cases, including age and status offenses.
State laws regulating legal ages are subject to change. If you would like legal assistance with a juvenile case or a family law matter, you can contact a Maryland family law attorney. You can also visit FindLaw's Family Law section for more articles and resources.
Although we know that the typical age of majority is 18, the Maryland age laws give us clarification about minors' rights in areas such as emancipation, marriage, and health care consent. If you are a minor interested in understanding how to get emancipation, married, or needs assistance with medical consent or the right to sue, then you should talk to a local family law attorney.
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