By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last updated December 13, 2022
Most states have different age limits for different types of legal transactions, such as the ability to enter into a contract or file a lawsuit. However, Ohio legal age laws do not provide specific ages for a number of these. For example, Ohio law doesn't state the age when a minor is eligible for emancipation.
Minors in Ohio generally cannot provide consent to most medical procedures and must seek the consent of a parent or legal guardian instead. But the state also allows so-called "mature minors" to consent to such procedures without the consent of a parent or guardian. "Mature minors" must be at least 15 years of age or older, and they must be able to show a doctor that they have enough understanding to make such decisions on their own.
The following table lists the various provisions of Ohio's legal age laws. See "Emancipation of Minors Basics" and "Parental Liability Basics" for related information.
Age of Majority |
Under §3109.01, the age of majority is 18. |
|---|---|
Eligibility for Emancipation |
No statute specifies criteria for eligibility. |
Contracts by Minors |
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Minors' Ability to Sue |
Under the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, minors may file lawsuits through a personal representative, next friend, or guardian ad litem. |
Minors' Consent to Medical Treatment |
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Note: State laws are constantly changing. Contact an Ohio family law 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 Ohio, including those related to age:
Consider reviewing the following resources as well for more information about laws and legal issues related to age:
The vagueness of the legal age laws makes them difficult to understand. If you need help with these or other legal age law concerns, then you might consider discussing these issues with an experienced family law attorney near you.
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