By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 16, 2024
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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 South Carolina recognizes the age of majority as age 18. When a minor reaches age 18, they are considered an adult 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 South Carolina.
The following table explains the main legal age laws for minors in South Carolina.
| Age of Majority | 18 (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-1-320) |
| Eligibility for Emancipation | South Carolina doesn't have an emancipation statute that delineates an emancipation process. |
| Contracts by Minors |
|
| Minors' Ability to Sue | A minor or mentally incompetent person can sue through a legal representative (guardian or fiduciary) or through a “next friend" or guardian ad litem (who can be appointed by the court) |
| Minors' Consent to Medical Treatment |
|
| Legal Age for Alcohol and Tobacco/E-cigarette Purchase and/or Consumption | 21 (S.C. Code Ann. § 61-4-90) |
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.
Are you concerned with how the legal age laws affect you? If you need assistance with an emancipation petition or a request to stop child support due to the emancipation of your child, then talk to a South Carolina family law attorney. An experienced attorney can help you with these procedures and can help clarify legal age law issues.
Contact a qualified attorney.
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