For as long as I can remember, the “age of majority” in Alabama has been 19. That’s what the statute still says, so that’s what I’ve told people who ask. But, is this correct? Well, yes and no.

In fact, the age of majority is designated by Alabama law as 19 years of age—Alabama Code, Section 26-1-1. (Note also: for many years, by other exceptions to the statute, an emancipated minor or a married minor—at a certain age—were released from the disabilities of non-age.) 

But, something interesting happened on the way to the Forum two or so years ago, that has received scant attention. 

In 2019, a new paragraph (f) was added to Title 26, Chapter 1, Section 1, to provide that notwithstanding the language of Alabama law that otherwise removes the disabilities of non-age at age 19, a person who is 18 years of age and otherwise unemancipated, and who is of sound mind, may enter into a binding contract just as adults may do in Alabama. This Act became effective September 1, 2019. The law goes on to say that the minor, by reason of his or her minority, may not rescind, avoid or repudiate the contract.

So, for those retailers and lenders who have traditionally considered unemancipated 18-year-olds as too young to contract, it is time to recalibrate your thinking.

Please Note: This is the one hundred ninety-fifth blog in a series of Back to Basics blogs, in which relevant and resourceful information can be easily accessed by clicking  Dentons - Consumer Finance Report.

P.S. In this case, the Forum is the Alabama Legislature in Montgomery!

P.S.S. I think that two years of COVID-19 have kept this change in the law a well-kept secret!