Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

Child Dating Laws and Ages

Is it legal to date a 21 year old at the age of 16 in the state of Pennsylvania?


Asked on 8/30/07, 8:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: Child Dating Laws and Ages

You asked if it is legal for a 16 year old to date a 21 year old.

Gee this question gets asked a lot. Always gets the same answer. As long as the two are only dating then there generally isn't a problem. It's when dating moves to a physical relationship that the adult will have problems.

It is unlawful for a person over the age of 18 to have an intimate physical relationship with a person under the age of 18 if there is a difference in ages of more than two years.

So, to that end: the answer to your question is no. It is not illegal to date. But if it gets physical then the older person will go to jail and probably develop a different relationship.

Regards,

Roger

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Answered on 8/30/07, 10:15 pm


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