At what age are you no longer responsible for your child?

Asked by: Camden Dickinson  |  Last update: June 12, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (28 votes)

Generally speaking, parents only have duties to minor children. Once kids turn 18, those duties end.

Are my parents still responsible for me after I turn 18?

Yes. As harsh as it sounds, once the child turns 18, the parent no longer owes any duties to the child (now adult) and can ask them to leave the premises. Before 18, you have a parental duty to take care of them and can be charged with parental negligence if you do not. At 18, it's over. Best of luck in your matter.

At what age are parents no longer responsible for a child?

Parents and caregivers are legally responsible for providing for their children until they become adults. In most states, children legally become adults at 18 years old. Parents are responsible for attending to their child's basic needs, including: Food, clothing, and housing.

When parents are no longer responsible?

When you turn 18, you are considered an adult. Your parents are no longer legally responsible, nor do they have legal control over you. This is called reaching the “age of majority.”

Is a parent responsible for a 17 year old?

PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITY

A parent has both the legal right and the duty to control their 16- or 17-year old children, unless they are emancipated.

At What Age is My Child Considered an Adult? | Dallas Family Law Lawyer

39 related questions found

Do you gain any rights at 17?

At 17. You can hold a driver's licence and apply for a motorcycle licence. You can be interviewed by the police without an appropriate adult being present. A care order can no longer be made on you.

Am I responsible for my parents when they get old?

Most filial laws require you to support your parents' basic living needs. These can include food, medical bills (mental and physical), housing, and additional care they receive, such as stays at nursing homes. Currently, 30 states legally require you to take care of your elderly parents: Alaska.

Do you have a legal guardian after the age of 18?

The minute the child turns 18 years of age that authority ceases. The parent must then decide whether to seek decision-making authority for the child, and if so, how much authority. The person given the authority to make decisions is called a guardian.

Can my parents take my stuff when I'm 18?

And No. 3, once you turn 18, they can't take your stuff anymore.

What is considered an irresponsible parent?

This includes irresponsible parents who fail to take care of their children's physical and emotional needs. They often offer little or no discipline (remembering that to discipline means to teach, not to punish), and also little or no warmth.

At what age is a child no longer considered a child?

By that definition, therefore, children are those persons under the age of 14. It is, however, worth noting that Article 1 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines 'children' as persons up to the age of 18.

When you can no longer care for a parent?

If you have chosen to discontinue caring for your elderly parent, consider creating end-of-life care and advance planning agreements. If no other family member is ready to take on this task, consider hiring a professional service. Contact an elder law attorney who can help you sort through your options.

Are parents legally responsible for their adult children?

The Family Code makes it clear both parents have an equal responsibility to support a child “of whatever age who is incapacitated from earning a living and without sufficient means.” The California Legislature has not limited the application of the state child support guidelines to minor children.

Do parents have authority over you when you are 18?

Until your child turns 18 years old, you have legal control over all the major decisions in their life: housing, finances, school, health care and even elements of everyday life. But, at 18 years old, your child gains legal control over all of these areas – and more.

What rights do 18 year olds not have?

While turning 18 comes with many new opportunities, rights, and responsibilities, there are a few restrictions that have yet to be lifted, 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 to 25 ...

Can my parents stop me from moving out at 18?

The legal age to move out without parental consent is generally 18. This is because 18 is considered the age of majority in most states, meaning an individual is legally recognized as an adult and can make decisions independently, including the decision to move out of their parents' home.

Do you have to do what your parents say when your 18?

It's true that when your child reaches the age of 18, they are legally seen as an adult and are legally responsible for their own behavior instead of their parents. They can't break laws, of course – being 18 just means you can be tried as an adult, not that you're free to do anything you please.

Can parents legally take your phone?

Generally speaking, a parent can still take the phone away from the child and search through the phone. While the phone may belong to the child, the parent is able to exercise control over the device if the parent believes it is in the child's best interest.

Can you legally move out at 18 if you're still in school?

California is not a state where there are clear legal problems because you haven't graduated yet.

What do I need from my parents when I turn 18?

  • FERPA Release.
  • HIPAA Authorization.
  • Medical Power of Attorney.
  • Living Will.
  • Durable Power of Attorney.
  • Financial Records Access.
  • FAQs.
  • The Bottom Line.

Is a parent automatically a legal guardian?

Legal Guardianship Is Dependent on the Situation

Both parents have equal rights to choose legal guardianship of a minor child. However, if one parent dies or becomes incapacitated, the child automatically goes to the other biological parent.

What happens when my disabled child turns 18?

Under California law, all individuals, regardless of capacity, will be treated as adults on their 18th birthday. That means they can sign a contract (whether or not they understand it) and be legally bound to its terms. This includes education contracts, such as Individualized Education Plans.

At what age am I not responsible for my child?

In most states, parental obligations typically end when a child reaches the age of majority, 18 years old. But, check the laws of your state, as the age of majority can be different from one state to the next.

Is it wrong not to want to care for elderly parents?

Relationships can be complicated, particularly when adult children are responsible for aging parents if there's tension, geographical constraints, or not enough time. If you're thinking, “I don't want to care for my elderly parents,” that's okay.

When should adult children pay their own bills?

Children say that 21 is an appropriate age, while parents favor age 19 for removing them from the family plan.