When Your Child Turns 18: A Checklist of Legal and Financial Items for Parents and Young Adults

Many families are not aware of important legal issues that affect their 18 – 21-year-old children. Parents are often so focused on the fact that the drinking age is 21 that they do not realize that their 18-year-olds are, for most other purposes, adults in the eyes of the law. Parents no longer have the same access to information or control over their children after age 18. Proper planning for the legal issues that arise with an 18 – 21-year-old child can help avoid problems later.

So, what should parents and young adults consider?