By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 24, 2023
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
States differentiate between adults and minors with respect to legal capacity. This means that the law cannot assign legal responsibility to an individual who lacks the mental capacity or maturity to fully understand the consequences of their actions. This often arises when a child commits a serious crime and prosecutors must decide whether to charge the child as an adult. It also applies to everyday situations that require the consent of a parent, such as most contractual agreements.
People mature at different ages, but states must draw the line somewhere. New York's legal age laws, for example, establish an "age of majority" of 18. At the age of majority, an individual is legally considered an adult. Minors in New York may consent to medical treatment if they are married, the parent of a patient that is also a child, or in cases of emergency.
This chart provides the basics of New York legal age laws. To learn more, consider reviewing FindLaw's "How Long Do Parents' Legal Obligations to Their Children Continue?"
| Age of Majority | Under relevant law, the age of majority is 18. |
| Eligibility for Emancipation | The qualifications for eligibility for emancipation are not specified by a statute. |
| Contracts by Minors |
|
| Minors' Ability to Sue |
|
| Minors' Consent to Medical Treatment |
|
Note: State laws are constantly changing. Contact a New York attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Consider reviewing the following resources for more information about laws in New York, including those related to age:
Consider reviewing the following resources as well for more information about legal issues and laws related to age:
Each state has its own age-related laws pertaining to marriage, consent, emancipation from one's parents, and other legal processes. If you are unsure about any of New York's age-related laws or need legal counsel, you can find a New York family law attorney near you.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored family law advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.