Transitioning into adulthood for teens is a privilege that comes with responsibilities at the age of 18. Parents, be aware of what the privilege of turning 18 means for your teens. In most states, the age of 18 is when a person is officially and legally viewed as an adult, and provides teens the ability to enjoy certain rights along with the requirement to fulfill certain duties.
Here’s an overview of the privileges of turning 18:
1. At age 18 you are legally responsible for your actions
A minor (juvenile or child) is under the protection of parents for the necessities of food, clothing, and shelter. Also, the parents are the legal and financial guardians of the juvenile. A minor cannot legally sign a contract, nor be held legally responsible if they damage property or is caught shoplifting.
2. At age 18 you can vote
For the first time in your life, you can vote and have a say in the future of your country. Be sure to register to vote in time for the next election.
3. At age 18 you can join the military
The government wants you to register for the Selective Service (military draft) when you turn 18. You are now legally required to serve your country. You can vote and because jury duty is based on your voting records, you also must serve in a jury of your peers.
4. You gain more driving privileges
Under the age of 18, states can dramatically restrict your driving privileges by prohibiting any passengers or driving at certain times of the day.
5. At age 18 you must sign tax forms for employment
When you apply for a job, you must sign a tax form and contract. This is not legally binding until you are an adult. Thus, after 18, you can hold a job, get an apartment, buy stocks and purchase real estate. As a minor, you were only allowed to work a certain about of hours at your job because of child labor laws. But as a legal adult, you can work full-time and overtime.
6. At age 18 your juvenile record is sealed
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.
7. At age 18 you can rent or buy a house/apartment
Once you are a legal adult, you can go out on your own and sign a lease to rent. Finding your first place away from home is one of the most fun (and stressful) parts of adulthood – especially if you’re paying for rent yourself.
8. At 18 you can marry
Unless you are in a state that allows marriage before 18 years old or with a parent’s permission, you could not legally marry until you became a legal adult. In order to be legally married, you must be an adult who can have the authority to say “I do.” You can’t do that until you are 18 years old.
9. At 18 it is now possible to enter into a contract
You can enter into contracts because they are now legally binding. This opens up a wide range of new activities you can engage in. Whether you know it or not, a child is not responsible for gambling losses. This is a form of a contract. Juveniles cannot qualify for legally binding contracts.
10. At 18 you can open a checking/savings account and apply for credit cards
Having a job may be a requirement for loan approvals. Credit card companies are known to target the younger crowd. You can apply for your first credit card without a cosigner once you turn 18.
11. At 18 you can file a lawsuit
Anyone who is 18 years or older and mentally competent can file a lawsuit.
12. You can make your own medical decisions
Don’t want to get that cavity filled or have a check-up? The decision is now legally yours to make when you turn 18. Legally, you can decide when you go to the doctor and what kind of medical treatments you receive if you ever find yourself in the hospital.
While turning 18 comes with many new opportunities, rights, and responsibilities, there are a few restrictions that remain, like purchasing and drinking alcohol (21 years old), purchasing tobacco products in some states (21 years old), going to a casino (21 years old), and renting a vehicle (20-25 years old ).
Life’s administrative tasks are numerous. Stay tuned for my upcoming “Coming of Age” online workshops for young adults (and adults alike)! Workshop #1 is titled Coming of Age: Health Decisions to Make + Actions to Take!
When you’re ready to investigate strategies to enhance life and/or business planning, contact me via Email. Additional information is available upon request or on the website @ The Living Planner
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