WHAT CHANGES WHEN YOUR TEEN TURNS 18? (2024)

When your teen reaches the age of 18, even though you may still think of them as children, under the law they have now achieved adult status. That status allows them to vote, serve in the military, serve on a jury, sign a contract, and get married without your consent. Although they still can’t do certain things, like drink alcohol or rent cars, their legal status is decided.

Here are 6 things you may want to consider:

  1. Students (mostly male) with US citizenship (with exceptions) mustregister for the selective serviceupon reaching the age of 18.
  2. Although not required, this is a great time for your kids toregister to vote.
  3. When your children turn 18, you no longer automatically have theauthority to make healthcaredecisions for them. And this is true even if they are still covered by your health insurance and you are paying the bill. This means that if your child has an accident or illness and is temporarily disabled, you may need court approval to act on their behalf or even to be informed of their medical status.
  4. Despite the fact that you are paying for their education,the FERPA lawsays you no longer have access to your child’s grades once they turn 18. That’s right, you can call the registrar and ask to see your 18-year-old’s transcript and they will not share it with you even though you’re the one signing the tuition checks.
  5. You can no longer manage money for your children once they turn 18.
  6. At 21, any money saved in a UTMA (and other savings accounts- check with your advisor) automatically becomes theirs unless other legal plans are in place.

Who can believe that 18 years have already flown by? It is overwhelming to all of us. You are doing the best you can and knowledge is power.

Lee Norwood is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, Higher Education Consultants Association, NACAC Charactor Collaborative and she is on faculty with the CounselMore Business Development Academy. She speaks at industry conferences on topics like “Meeting Gen Z Where They Are” and “Growing Your Business” and she has been featured on podcasts with CollegeScoops, ThirdFloor Views, Tests And The Rest, and others.If you are interested in our process, our team, reviews and outcomes, just look at our websitewww.annapoliscollegeconsulting.com

WHAT CHANGES WHEN YOUR TEEN TURNS 18? (2024)

FAQs

WHAT CHANGES WHEN YOUR TEEN TURNS 18? ›

When your teen reaches the age of 18, even though you may still think of them as children, under the law they have now achieved adult status. That status allows them to vote, serve in the military, serve on a jury, sign a contract, and get married without your consent.

Does anything change when you turn 18? ›

At 18, you are free to move out of your parents' or guardians' house and live on your own. Since you are legally permitted to enter a contract when you turn 18 or reach the age of majority (see below), you can rent an apartment in your own name – or even purchase a home.

What privileges do you get when you turn 18? ›

What Can You Do at 18 Legally?
  • Vote. ...
  • Donate Blood and Become an Organ Donor. ...
  • Work Full Time. ...
  • Play the Lottery. ...
  • Obtain Special Driving Permits. ...
  • Purchase and Use Tobacco Products (in Some States) ...
  • Drive Late at Night. ...
  • Consent to Having Sex With Someone That Is 18 or Older.

What happens when you child turns 18? ›

The “age of majority” – Once your child hits a certain age (usually 18), they have reached the “age of majority.” This means, as far as the law is concerned, he or she is an adult, and information regarding their health, finances, and education will not be disclosed to anyone without their written consent.

How does life change at 18? ›

The day you turn 18 you are suddenly considered an adult. This change comes with many benefits. You are now allowed to do so many things you weren't when you were 17 and under. The typical teenager will love the ability to enjoy clubs and bars (In most countries) at the weekends.

Why is turning 18 a big deal? ›

What Happens When You Turn 18? An 18-year-old is considered a full-fledged adult with rights and responsibilities. Eighteen-year-olds can now vote and sign contracts. If they're still in high school, they can call in an excuse themselves from school.

Is it good or bad to turn 18? ›

When you turn 18, you can start again as an adult, so past transgressions won't legally come back to haunt you. Caution, there is no longer what is called “juvy”. If an 18 year old commits a crime or misdemeanor as an 18-year-old, you will be tried as an adult and may spend time in jail or prison.

Can my parents call the cops if I leave at 18? ›

They can certainly call the police if you walked out with the family TV or took a swing at dad on your way to the door. After 18 yrs old, you are no longer considered a juvenile. Most juvenile rules and procedures are not applicable.

Can your parents control you at 18? ›

Remember, whether your child is 5 years old or over 18, your home is your home, and your rules are your rules. Once they're 18, you can't control all their choices, but you can create a safe and somewhat peaceful home environment.

What can your parents not do when you turn 18? ›

Specifically, your rights as a parent diminish when your child turns 18, including the right to know anything about their finances, medical condition, or even school records. That means, for example, that if your child were injured, you wouldn't have the right to make medical decisions on their behalf.

Do I have to listen to my parents at 18? ›

Put simply, you are supposed to obey your parents for any reasonable requirements that they may have. Your parents are your guardians until you reach the age of majority at 18 and therefore make all of the major decisions for you.

What should parents do when their child turns 18? ›

Legal Steps to Take When Your Child Turns 18
  • HIPAA Release. ...
  • Health Care Power of Attorney. ...
  • Financial Power of Attorney. ...
  • Education Record Release. ...
  • Passport. ...
  • Voter Registration.

Is 18 a stressful age? ›

Eighteen and nineteen-year-olds are now considered emerging adults and may be entering college or facing living on their own for the first time. For this reason, they may have additional stressors and may or may not be eager to discuss the complexities of adult responsibilities.

How are 18 year olds adults? ›

18 Means Reaching the Age of Majority

This affects everything from school to their healthcare. For their healthcare you will need your teen's permission to access their medical information and make doctors appointments depending on the practice.

What stage of life is 18 years old? ›

Across theories and research frameworks, a sequence of developmental shifts emerges, which can be organized into three overall categories: Adolescence (generally defined as puberty through age 18) Young adulthood (generally defined as 18 to 22 or 18 to 25) Later adulthood (generally defined as mid-20s and older)

Is turning 18 a big thing? ›

This birthday is a BIG deal and a major milestone teenagers look forward to for a lot of reasons. Not only are they now considered a full-fledged legal adult, (and oh… do they love to remind you of that!) but they can now do a lot of things they never could before.

What if a girl turns 18? ›

Here are some of the rights and privileges that a girl can get when she turns 18 in India: Right to vote: Turning 18 makes a girl eligible to vote in the national, state, and local elections. Driving license: A girl can apply for a driving license and start driving legally.

Are you over 18 if you are 18? ›

You become 18 years old at the exact time of your birth. After that, you are “over” 18, as in 18 and 1 second, or 18 and 360 days. 18.0000000000000001 is still greater than 18.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Catherine Tremblay

Last Updated:

Views: 5402

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Catherine Tremblay

Birthday: 1999-09-23

Address: Suite 461 73643 Sherril Loaf, Dickinsonland, AZ 47941-2379

Phone: +2678139151039

Job: International Administration Supervisor

Hobby: Dowsing, Snowboarding, Rowing, Beekeeping, Calligraphy, Shooting, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Catherine Tremblay, I am a precious, perfect, tasty, enthusiastic, inexpensive, vast, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.