Arizona Legal Ages Laws

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed December 13, 2022

A minor is anyone under the age of majority. In most states, that age is 18. Upon reaching the age of majority, an individual is an adult in the eyes of the law. The same is true when someone is emancipated from their parents.

Legally speaking, an adult is an individual subject to all privileges and responsibilities that come with adulthood. For example, adults may be sued in a court of law or drafted into the military.

An emancipated minor is a minor who has been deemed by the court to have the means and maturity to live apart from their parents or legal guardians and to support themselves. Children seeking emancipation also must have a place to live and a legal source of income.

While minors have limited privileges and responsibilities, they also still need to access the law every once in a while. State legal age laws address these needs, such as the ability to consent to and access birth control or drug treatment, or to petition the court for emancipation.

This article provides a brief overview of legal age statutes in the state of Arizona.

Age of Majority in Arizona

Arizona recognizes 18 as the "age of majority." This is the age when state residents are legally considered adults. But state laws also govern a minor's eligibility to become emancipated, give consent to medical treatment, and other legal matters. Arizona legal age laws allow minors as young as 16 to petition the court for emancipation and may enter into a contract to pay for college tuition if 17 or older.

Arizona Age Statutes: At a Glance

Age laws and limits can vary from state to state. The following table highlights some of Arizona's legal age laws. You can also visit FindLaw's Family Law section for additional articles and information on this topic.

Age of Majority	Under A.R.S. § 1-215, the age of majority is 18.
Eligibility for Emancipation	Under A.R.S. § 12- 2454, the requirements for emancipation are: Minor is at least sixteen years of age Minor is a resident of the state Minor is able to cover their costs completely Minor acknowledges in writing that the minor has read and understands the information that is provided by the court and that explains the rights and obligations of an emancipated minor and the potential risks and consequences of emancipation
Contracts by Minors	Under A.R.S. § 44-140.01, a minor may enter into a contract for educational loans. Under A.R.S. § 44-131, a minor may make contracts if they are a veteran or are married. Under A.R.S. § 20-1106, a minor who is at least 15 may enter into a contract for life or disability insurance on the minor's own life or body, for the minor's own benefit, or for the benefit of the minor's father or mother, spouse, child, brother, sister, or grandparents. Under A.R.S. § 20-1106, a minor may enter into a contract for motor vehicle liability insurance for themselves, under the following circumstances: They are at least 16 years old, while this also applies to foster children or youths participating in an independent living program, and They have completed a driver education program.
Minors' Ability to Sue	Under 16 A.R.S. Rules Civ. Proc., Rule 17(f), a minor may file a lawsuit with the assistance of a general guardian, conservator, or similar fiduciary, friend, or guardian ad litem. This must be done by written consent.
Minors' Consent to Medical Treatment	Under A.R.S. § 44-132 et seq., a minor may consent to medical treatment if they are homeless, married, or emancipated.

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.

Arizona Legal Ages Laws: Related Resources

Consider reviewing the following resources for more information about laws and legal issues related to age:

At Arizona Laws, you'll find links to all laws of the state, including those related to age.
At Official State Codes, you'll find links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
At Emancipation of Minors, you'll be able to read more about the process of emancipation.
At Juveniles and Age ("Status") Offenses, you'll be able to read more about the ages when minors may be held accountable for certain offenses.

Get Legal Help from a Family Law Attorney

Arizona legal age laws help define the legal age for certain activities. If you are a minor interested in emancipation or entering a contract, then you should get more information from an attorney. An experienced family law attorney can help you with petitioning the court for emancipation and providing clarification on legal age laws.

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