By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 25, 2023
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Parents and children often disagree about when kids become adults. This tension can lead to some fun back and forth. But when it comes to the law, the line is generally clear in separating minors and adults. Wisconsin is no exception. Here is a summary of legal age laws in Wisconsin.
Children become adults in the eyes of the law at age 18 in most states, including Wisconsin.
State legal age laws determine:
But these laws differ in each state. Learn more about Wisconsin's legal age laws in the following table.
| Age of Majority | 18 (WI ST § 990.01) |
| Eligibility for Emancipation | There's no clear statutory process that allows for a minor to become emancipated. But WI ST § 54.46(6) states that a minor who not incompetent is no longer subject to guardianship upon marriage. |
| Contracts by Minors |
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| Minors' Ability to Sue | By guardian or guardian ad litem (WI ST § 803.01(3)) |
| Minors' Consent to Medical Treatment |
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While Wisconsin sets the default age of majority at 18, a minor can become an adult in the eyes of the law. Emancipation allows a minor to become responsible for their well-being. That means they can make decisions about their:
Until they turn 18 or become emancipated, states generally treat people as juveniles in criminal cases, including age and status offenses.
Wisconsin's legal age laws set 18 as the default age of majority. But individuals under the age of 18 can become legal adults. FindLaw's family law section contains more information if you are a minor ready for independence. You can talk to a Wisconsin family law attorney when you want to start the emancipation process. An attorney can also assist you with other issues arising from legal age laws.
Contact a qualified attorney.
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