Age of Majority and Emancipation in South Dakota

The petition must show the minor lives apart from parents or guardian with their consent or acquiescence, manages their own finances, and has income that does not come from criminal activity (SDCL 25-5-26). Marriage and active military duty also make a minor emancipated (SDCL 25-5-24).

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.