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What is the legal age of majority in West Virginia?

What is the legal age of majority in West Virginia?

Full question:

What is the legal age of adulthood in West Virginia?

Category: Minors
Subcategory: Age of Majority
Date: 04/07/2025
State: West Virginia

Answer:

In West Virginia, when a person turns 18 years of age, he is considered to be an adult.

W. Va. Code § 2-2-10 reads:

“(aa) The words "infant" and "minor" mean persons under the age of eighteen years as such words are used in this code or in rules and regulations promulgated by the supreme court of appeals”

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Do you have to be 21 to be an adult?

No, in West Virginia, a person is legally considered an adult at the age of eighteen. There are certain rights and responsibilities that may require individuals to be older, such as purchasing alcohol, which is restricted to those 21 and older. However, the legal age of adulthood is 18. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

How old do you have to be to be an adult in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, the legal age of adulthood is eighteen years old. Once an individual reaches this age, they are no longer classified as a minor or infant under the law, as defined in W. Va. Code § 2-2-10. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

Is 17 considered a minor in West Virginia?

Yes, in West Virginia, individuals who are 17 years old are still considered minors. The legal definition of a minor applies to anyone under the age of eighteen, as stated in W. Va. Code § 2-2-10. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

Can you legally move out at 16 in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, a 16-year-old is still considered a minor and cannot legally move out without parental consent or a court order. Generally, minors need to be 18 to make such decisions independently. If a minor wishes to live independently, they may need to seek emancipation through the court system. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*