Age of Majority & Rights of Majority (Emancipation)

Virtually all states set the age of majority at 18, which means people 18 and older are legally considered adults and are subject to all associated rights and responsibilities. But state laws also determine limits and rules for certain legal processes involving minors (those under 18 in Oklahoma and elsewhere). For example, states often have guidelines for minors wishing to be emancipated from their parents by the court and ability to provide consent for medical procedures.

Legal Ages Under Oklahoma Law

Under Oklahoma statute, contracts by minors are voidable as long as they are voided within one year of the individual reaching the age of majority (18 in Oklahoma). And while minors are not able to sue in an Oklahoma court, they may file suit through a guardian, next friend, or representative.

Getting Emancipated as a Minor in Oklahoma

To become emancipated from one's parents as a minor is to be granted the rights and responsibilities of someone who has reached the age of majority. This means you may enter into a legal contract and get married without parental consent, for example, buy you also may be sued. In order to get emancipated in Oklahoma, you will need to file a petition in your local district court through a next friend. The court will set a hearing date within 30 days of the petition.

Additional provisions of Oklahoma laws setting legal ages for minors are listed in the following table.

Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.