By FindLaw Staff | Reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last updated January 24, 2023
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 New Hampshire recognizes the age of majority as age 18. When a minor reaches age 18, they are considered adults 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 the legal age statutes in the state of New Hampshire.
Additional provisions of New Hampshire laws setting legal ages for minors are listed in the following table. See FindLaw's Emancipation of Minors section for additional articles and resources.
| Age of Majority | 18 (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 21-B:1) |
| Eligibility for Emancipation |
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| Contracts by Minors |
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| Minors' Ability to Sue | A minor may sue if they have a representative, such as a next friend or court-appointed guardian ad litem; all petitions for approval of settlement actions on behalf of minors will be signed by the parent, next friend, or guardian of the minor (N.H. Civil Rule 40) |
| Minors' Consent to Medical Treatment |
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| Legal Age for Alcohol, Tobacco, E-cigarette Purchase and/or Consumption | 21 (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 175:1) |
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.
Whether you are looking to file a lawsuit, get emancipated, or get certain types of healthcare, you'll want to know the law in New Hampshire and how it may impact your ability to do any of those things. To learn more about the rights and obligations you have as both a young person and an adult, you should speak with an experienced New Hampshire family law attorney.
Contact a qualified attorney.
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