Alabama Family Law Blog

A new bill reducing the age of majority from 19 to 18 will be the subject of a hearing before the Alabama House Judiciary Committee Wednesday.

The most recent word I have received is that the Senate version of the bill passed the Senate. So, if the bill gets out of the Committee tomorrow, it could be on its way to passing both Houses and being signed into law.

I am in the process of trying to get copies of the revised bills. If I do, I will try to make them available on this blog.

Many family law attorneys are concerned that changing the age of majority will have significant negative effects and cause substantial litigation. For example, questions have been raised about how this proposed law would affect existing child support cases and prior Settlement Agreements regarding child support and post-minority education expenses. Additionally, there is some concern about its effect on 19 year olds being able to remain on their parents health and hospitilization insurance.

The legislature is supposed to be taking these issues into consideration, but until we see the final bill, it is hard to know what the final impact would be.

Hi,

Did the age of majority change? Thanks for your help.

No, to date the legislation has not passed. The age of majority at this time remains 19 in Alabama. But, the legislative session is not over. If I get any news about the bill becoming law I will immediately post it to the blog under Legislation topic.

Age of majority?
Is this the same as saying my parent's have complete say over my life till I am 19?

if my son joins the militart at 18, does child support end?

There is a statute in Alabama that would allow you to file a petition to emanciapte your child under that situation. In other words, the child support would not automatically stop. But, you could ask the court to declare that the child be considered emancipated. If the the Judge agreed, then the child support would stop. I have handled cases with these same facts where the Judge did in fact emancipate the child and stop child support.

Good luck, and thanks for reading the blog.

Did the age of majority change? Are there any updates? Thank you for your help.

Hi,

Is it necessary to post the first and last name when questions are submitted. I am sure it is posted based on our input initially but I don't know if anyone realizes it will show both first and last name. I submitted my question on 4/12/06 and would like it deleted if my first or last name can't be removed.

Thanks for your help with this concern.

Saundra,

Your name appears as you enter it in the comments box. I have gone back and edited your last name from your first post. Thanks for reading the blog.

Any updates?