Mississippi Legal Ages Laws

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed December 14, 2022

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At 21 years old, Mississippi's age of majority is older than most states. State minor laws set out what is known as the "age of majority," or the age at which a citizen is considered an adult in the eyes of the law. However, minors do have some legal rights and responsibilities. For example, under Mississippi law, 18-year-olds can enter into contracts and settle personal injury lawsuits.

This article provides a brief overview of legal age statutes in the state of Mississippi.

Mississippi Age Statutes: At a Glance

Mississippi's legal age statutes are listed in the table below. See FindLaw's Emancipation of Minors section for additional articles and resources.

Age of Majority

21 (Miss. Code Ann. § 1-3-27)

Note: In 2021, the Senate of Mississippi passed SB2355, which would amend the age of the majority from 21 to 18. However, the bill has not passed the House of Representatives of Mississippi yet

Eligibility for Emancipation

Minors may file a petition for emancipation; no minimum age is specified (Miss. Code Ann. § 93-19-3)

Contracts by Minors

All individuals over the age of 18 have the capacity to enter into binding contracts affecting personal property or for the purpose of investing mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and any other publicly traded equities (Miss. Code Ann. § 93-19-13)

Minors' Ability to Sue

At the age of 18, minors may sue in their own name as an adult and be sued in their own name as an adult (Miss. Code Ann. § 93-19-13)

Minors' Consent to Medical Treatment
  • Any female minor, regardless of age or marital status, is empowered to give consent for herself in connection with medical treatment and pregnancy or childbirth (Miss. Code Ann. § 41-41-3)
  • Minors can receive medical treatment for a venereal disease without obtaining parental or guardian consent (Miss. Code Ann. § 41-41-13)
  • Minors at least 15 years old can be treated for mental or emotional problems related to alcohol or drugs without consent from anyone else (Miss. Code Ann. § 41-41-14)
  • Minors in emergency situations have implied consent when medical treatment or procedures are immediately or imminently necessary or else the life, health, or limb of the minor may be jeopardized (Miss. Code Ann. § 41-41-7)

Legal Age for Alcohol, Tobacco, or E-cigarette Purchase and/or Consumption

 21 (Miss. Code Ann. § 67-1-81)

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.

Emancipation and the Legal Responsibilities of Minors

Mississippi, along with many other states, has a legal process by which a person under the age of 21 can apply to become an adult in the eyes of the law. The process is referred to as the “emancipation of a minor," (or in Mississippi as the “Removal of Disability of Minority") and can allow for a minor to become responsible for their own decisions regarding education, health care, residence, and other matters.

Mississippi statutes do not provide a minimum age for emancipation, and courts will decide emancipation cases in the best interest of the minor. For the most part, until they turn 21 (or they are emancipated) minors will be treated as such in criminal cases, including age and status offenses.

Mississippi Legal Ages Laws: Related Resources

State laws regarding the age of majority may cover a variety of topics. You can consult with a Mississippi family law attorney if you would like legal assistance regarding a juvenile case or a family law matter. You can also find more resources and information on this topic by visiting FindLaw's section on Family Law.

Learn More About Mississippi Legal Ages Laws by Speaking to a Lawyer

All states have age restrictions for certain activities and legal processes, such as purchasing cigarettes or getting a driver's license. Also, your age will determine whether you are charged with criminal acts as an adult or a juvenile. If you need help with an age-related legal matter, contact a family law attorney in Mississippi today.

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