A minor is an individual who is under 18 years of age. The period of minority is calculated from the first minute of the day on which the individual is born to the same minute of the corresponding day completing the period of minority.
Part 1AGE OF MAJORITY
Section § 6500
In California, anyone under 18 years old is considered a minor. This period starts from the exact moment they are born and ends at the same time on their 18th birthday.
minor under 18 age of minority birth minute 18th birthday period of minority individual under 18 legal adulthood time calculation completion of minority period
Section § 6501
In California, an adult is defined as anyone who is 18 years old or older.
An adult is an individual who is 18 years of age or older.
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Section § 6502
This law clarifies how terms like "age of majority" or "minor" should be understood in legal documents in California. For documents made before March 4, 1972, these terms refer to the age of 21. For documents made on or after that date, they refer to the age of 18. Furthermore, documents from before March 4, 1972, can be updated to reflect the new age of majority if they were amendable and follow existing state laws.
(a)CA Family Law Code § 6502(a) The use of or reference to the words “age of majority,” “age of minority,” “adult,” “minor,” or words of similar intent in any instrument, order, transfer, or governmental communication made in this state:
(1)CA Family Law Code § 6502(a)(1) Before March 4, 1972, makes reference to individuals 21 years of age and older, or younger than 21 years of age.
(2)CA Family Law Code § 6502(a)(2) On or after March 4, 1972, makes reference to individuals 18 years of age and older, or younger than 18 years of age.
(b)CA Family Law Code § 6502(b) Nothing in subdivision (a) or in Chapter 1748 of the Statutes of 1971 prevents amendment of any court order, will, trust, contract, transfer, or instrument to refer to the 18-year-old age of majority if the court order, will, trust, contract, transfer, or instrument satisfies all of the following conditions:
(1)CA Family Law Code § 6502(b)(1) It was in existence on March 4, 1972.
(2)CA Family Law Code § 6502(b)(2) It is subject to amendment by
law, and amendment is allowable or not prohibited by its terms.
(3)CA Family Law Code § 6502(b)(3) It is otherwise subject to the laws of this state.
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