By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed February 13, 2023
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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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey.
Learn more about New Jersey's legal age laws below. See Emancipation of Minors and Parental Liability Basics for related information.
Age of Majority |
|
|---|---|
Eligibility for Emancipation |
N/A |
Contracts by Minors |
|
Minors' Ability to Sue |
If a minor is entitled to commence an action, they must wait until they reach the age of majority to commence the action; however, actions accrued for medical malpractice for injuries sustained at birth shall be commenced prior to the minor's 13th birthday (N.J. Rev. Stat. § 2A:14-21) |
Minors' Consent to Medical Treatment |
Minors may consent to medical care or treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, sexual assault, substance use disorder involving drugs, alcohol use disorder, or behavioral health care services (N.J. Rev. Stat. § 9:17A-4) |
Legal Age for Alcohol and Tobacco/E-cigarette Purchase and/or Consumption |
21 (N.J. Rev. Stat. § 2C:33-15) |
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.
The legal age laws explain the role of minors when it comes to legal matters. If you're a minor with concerns about your ability to sue or enter into contracts, then you should talk to a family law attorney in New Jersey who can help you with these and other related issues.
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
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