The Legal Side of 18th Birthday: What Parents Need To Know When the Child Turns 18?

Significant changes are in for when a child turns 18. Aside from a parent's emotional perspective, being 18 means the child will now have many legal rights. There are also many things parents need to know and do once their child becomes of legal age, per Very Well Family.

Turning 18 is crucial as the child steps into adulthood. It entails privileges and serious legal implications, as being 18 means they are adults in the eyes of the law. Reaching 18 is considered a milestone, as they can now vote, buy a house, have a beautiful wedding, get sued, and many more privileges that adults are entitled to. 

That's the fun part, but there's also the serious part, being of legal age will mean that the children will have responsibilities and be held legally liable should they violate any law. An 18-year-old can already open their own checking account, file a lawsuit, sign legal documents, buy insurance, earn credit, etc., but these rights have consequences.

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What should parents do when their child turns 18?

A young boy turning 18 must register with the selective service. There hasn't been a military draft in the United States since the 1970s, but those assigned male at birth must register, while those assigned females are not required.

When kids turn 18, parents can no longer see their medical records, grades, or bank statements unless they formally agree to share the information. 

Similar federal privacy laws that allow parents to access kids' school transcripts and disciplinary records close the door when the child turns 18. 

Just like the records of adults, their records will also now be protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) which mainly states that health records are private between the adult patient and the health care provider. Parents will not be entitled to those records even if the children are still under their parent's health insurance.

Dan McLennon, senior attorney with the Northwestern Mutual advanced planning team, advised parents to acquire their child a medical power of attorney. If they get into an accident and need someone to make medical decisions, parents cannot have access unless the child has signed a document. 

Turning 18 is a moment for celebration

Admittedly, many parents are scared of their babies turning 18, fearing being left behind should they prefer living alone, which is perfectly legal. Nevertheless, a child becoming of legal age is a cause for celebration. 

Becoming independent of their parent's control might be something they can look forward to, but they should not get carried away because their parents will also no longer have to support them, as they are now considered adults.

However, children turning 18 do not prohibit parents from having meaningful conversations with them about what it means to be an adult. Constant communication regarding privacy and health matters are all important in an 18-year-old adult at the end of the day, per At the Core.

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