The Age of Majority Law for California

Aging confers certain rights and responsibilities. A person is formally recognized by law as an adult when he reaches the age of majority. Like most states, California sets the age of majority at 18 years old.

History

• Prior to March 4, 1972, the age of majority in California was 21. California lowered its age of majority after the passage of the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1971, which lowered the legal voting age to 18.

Law

• As of October 2010, the age of majority is identified by California Family Code Section 6501. The law defines an adult as an individual who is at least 18 years old.

Significance

• Reaching the age of majority allows a person to make legal or medical decisions, such as the decision to marry or the decision to enter a contract, without parental authority. The age of majority also requires an individual accused of a crime to be treated as an adult.

Misconceptions

• Some of the rights traditionally withheld until the age of majority are available to teens living in California. Family law 7120 permits emancipation at age 14. Consent to medical care can be exercised at age 15.