My Child Just Turned 18: What Does That Change Legally?

Blowing out 18 candles on a birthday cake signifies the beginning of adult life for American teens. They are now legal adults with all the rights and privileges, responsibilities and duties that accompany coming of age in the United States.

  1. Parental Responsibility

    • Parents' legal responsibilities change when their children turn 18.

      Once children reach their 18th birthday, parents no longer have a legal obligation to provide food, shelter, education, safety and protection for them. While most 18-year-olds still need some form of support from their parents, it is not a legal duty. With good parenting over the years and preparation for adult living, most 18-year-old young adults will be making the transition to more independent living.

    Adult Rights

    • At age 18 a young adult can buy a car or house, and sign legal documents.

      At age 18 a young man or woman becomes a legal adult. He is allowed to buy a car or house, enter into a legally binding agreement and live independent of parental control. He can apply for a credit card, become an organ donor, make a will, sign legal documents, and vote in state and federal elections. When seeking medical treatment, he can make decisions about his health care.

    Adult Responsibilities

    • Jury duty and registering for Selective Service are among his responsibilities.

      At age 18, a young man or woman is treated like an adult in every way, which includes responsibilities. If involved in illegal activity he can be tried in an adult court, and can be sued by others. He now also bears the responsibility for jury duty when selected and for filing his own income tax returns. Men now have the responsibility to register with the Selective Service System.

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