Generally, an infant is a person under the age of?

• A. 18
• B. 21
• C. 16
• D. 25

Answer: (A)

Infant means a person who has not reached the age of majority. In this context, the age of majority is 18, so anyone younger than 18 is considered an infant for legal purposes. This matters in Surrogate’s Court practice because minors cannot independently inherit, own, or manage property without safeguards. When an heir or beneficiary is a minor, guardianship or a guardian of the property is typically involved to protect the minor’s interests until they reach 18, unless emancipation changes their capacity earlier. Emancipation can grant capacity before 18, but the default rule defines infancy as under 18. The other ages listed do not define the general threshold for infancy.