Congratulations. At age 18, you’ve reached an important milestone. You are now an adult in the eyes of the law. You can rent your own apartment, take charge of your finances and even buy a car on your own — all without a parent’s consent or assistance. You can now enter into legal contracts and vote in elections. In short, you now have the right to make many important decisions about where you live, what you do and how you shape your future.

But adulthood also brings new responsibilities and consequences. Your parents no longer have to support you. You can now be sued personally. You are responsible for paying your own income taxes. If you are a young man, you must register for the military. And if you commit a crime, you will not have the protection of the juvenile court and laws; you could wind up in jail for something that, at a younger age, might have resulted in no more than a stern lecture and a ride home in a police car.

This guide touches on some of the laws that may apply to you at this turning point. Keep in mind that laws are constantly subject to change. If you have a specific legal problem, you may want to consult an attorney.

When You Become 18 addresses a number of issues important to young adults, including information about laws related to:

• alcohol
• banking
• contracts
• credit
• employment
• hate crimes
• jury duty
• military service
• voting

Download When You Become 18: A Survival Guide for Teenagers

PDF format, 2.4MB.

THE CALIFORNIA BAR FOUNDATION is proud to partner with the State Bar of California to educate young adults about their rights and responsibilities under the law. When You Become 18 provides teenagers with valuable information to help navigate the exciting and sometimes daunting transition from childhood to adulthood.

We hope that you will read this guide and share it with young adults, parents, teachers, and others as a helpful resource on issues important to today’s teenagers.

With the generous support of our donors, corporate sponsors, and California’s legal community, the Foundation acts as a catalyst for building a better justice system through our grant and scholarship programs. We champion full and equal access to the law, invest in the next generation of California’s lawyers, educate citizens about their rights and responsibilities, and promote philanthropy throughout the legal community.

If you would like to support When You Become 18 and its sister consumer education guides, Kids and the Law: An A-to-Z Guide for Parents and Seniors & the Law: A Guide for Maturing Californians, as well as the Foundation’s other important programs, please join our efforts by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Foundation today.

Warmest regards,
Scott Wylie, President
California Bar Foundation

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