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Age of Majority and Emancipation in Oregon

In Oregon, the age of majority is 18, and a juvenile court may enter a judgment of emancipation for a minor who is at least 16.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Oregon at a glance

Age of majority
18
Married persons are treated as having reached majority under ORS 109.520.
Emancipation by court petition
Yes
Minimum age to petition
16

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Oregon

What is the age of majority in Oregon?

Age of majority in Oregon: 18. Married persons are treated as having reached majority under ORS 109.520.

Does Oregon have a statute that lets a minor petition a court for emancipation?

Yes. Emancipation by court petition in Oregon: yes.

How old must a minor be to petition for emancipation in Oregon?

Minimum age to petition in Oregon: 16.

Where do the Oregon age of majority laws come from?

The rules above come from Or. Rev. Stat. 109.510, Or. Rev. Stat. 109.520, Or. Rev. Stat. 419B.552, Or. Rev. Stat. 419B.555 and Or. Rev. Stat. 419B.558. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

Good to know

The court considers parental consent, whether the minor lives away from home and is self-supporting, and the minor's maturity. Emancipation does not change the age rules for buying alcohol or for a marriage license (ORS 419B.552).

What this means in practice

The age of majority is not the same as every age limit in the law. Separate rules can set the age for drinking alcohol, buying tobacco, making a will, marrying without consent or ending child support, so check the specific rule that applies to the question you have.

Emancipation usually requires a court petition and proof that the minor can support and manage themselves. A court order may grant full adult status or only specific rights, and it can end a parent's duty of support. Read the order and the statute together to see exactly what changes.

Documents signed for a minor, such as a medical consent form or a power of attorney for a child, generally stop being needed once the child reaches the age of majority. Contracts signed by a minor may be voidable, so adults dealing with minors often ask a parent or guardian to sign as well.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.