What can I legally do at 18 years old?

Question

In a short two months I will be 18 years old. And sadly I dont even know what that means. My parents, for the past seventeen years have manipulated everything to keep me in the dark about the truth. For example they tell me if I move out at 18 the military will come and take me away as I can only "legally" move out when I am 21, when they stop being responsible for me. Now I know this isn't true for I have done some research. But my questions still aren't answered. When I ask my parents anything they tell me "no/you dont know what your talking about/go to bed/ im always right". At 18 can I have my own apartment? Can I apply for insurance (medical etc). My father stated, just earlier today that I can not move out until he says so. I told him he is wrong, my other agreed with my father. Strangley he said he will kick me out, I see no difference in me being kicked out and me moving out, either way it will be willingly. Am I missing something from them? I need to know the truth.

Answer 1

When you turn 18 the United States government legally sees you as an adult. You can;
Vote
sign a legally binding contract (like an apartment or car lease)
get a credit card and open your own bank account
get your CDL license (Comercial driver's license for operating semi's or other large trucks)
buy tabacco products
buy lottery tickets
buy a rifle or shotgun at WalMart (if you pass the felony background check)
Goto a strip club
can drive past midnight or later (depends on where you live, but some places have a night and morning restriction if you under 18. Once 18, you can be on the roads whenever you want)
Can get an assult charge for kicking someone
Can be sued
no one else is responcible for your action except you (if you screw-up, your parents do not have to accept responcibitly for you anymore, meaning you are left holding the bag)
Can goto jail (no more juvie)
Can be married in any state (some states allow marriage before 18 with a parent/guardian signature)
can join the military (with high school diploma)
Can get a tattoo or piercing without a parent present
basically you don't need your parents for anything but you haven't established any credit yet so you will probably need them to co-sign on an apartment for you (or you will need a hefty deposit).

Answer 2

YOU have been lied about so much! You can be declared legally emancipated at 16 in most states, but it takes court action. At 18 you can leave home and the military doesn't come after you, that's ridiculous, how could you believe such nonsense?
You can, if you have the money, buy a car, buy insurance, rent an apartment, in fact do just about everything accept buy or use alcohol, which makes no logical sense. You can get your own medical insurance, but it is super expensive.
You father saying yo can't move out until he says so is a form of manipulation and intimidation. He may have his reasons, like you will lose your medical coverage from your parent's policy, and such, but you know, if you are living under his roof, he can set the rules even if you are 30. It is up to you to decide whether or not you can live this way,a nd whether or not you can survive out there in the real world financially, because if you try and fail, your parents sound like the type who won't take you back in.
Have you thought about going away to college? That would allow you some freedom, and you still technically live at home (vacations, some weekends)...

Answer 3

Your parents are way too harsh. I think deep down it comes from a place of love, they are trying to protect you, but they should understand that eventually you will need to get out into the world and they're only holding you back if they make you less aware of truths out there.

At 18, you are free to move out and get your own apartment, as long as you have a job to support you and you have good credit. And yes, you can get your own credit card (might wanna check that it's 18 in all states if you're from US as I'm from Canada and it could be different here.) To get a credit card, you do need a job though.

Anyway, hang in there. If you have access to the net, you have access to a lot! You can always come here for help.
Good luck, don't let them get you down, and know that they do love you. A good piece of advice is not to do anything rash - you want to show them they were wrong not to trust you, not prove their fears right and give them fodder for their beliefs.

In some states you are now legally allowed to drink, but don't go overboard. Alcohol is a good way to waste money and feel really crappy. I had a few drinks once I turned 18 and then realized I actually hate alcohol.
And remember that drugs are always illegal! Heh.

Answer 4

Things You Can Do At 18

Answer 5

that is very sad that your parents have been manipulating you all your life. you will need to have a job so you can support yourself. if you are going to college you will probably be moving out, but it sounds like it is not a very healthy environment to be in so you probably want to leave sooner. i suggest you spend the next two months saving money and looking at apartments etc so youre ready.

you are legally recognized as an adult at 18. really the only thing you cant do is drink alcohol. your parents dont have any legal authority over you and dont let them tell you otherwise.

Answer 6

ok here's the deal at the bright age of 18 u can basically do what u want otherr than by liqure and gamble . u can move if u wan and u can get your on car insurance but it may b high. u can by ciggereets and get into any club unless it says u have to be 21. so basically sweetheart u have freedom now to tell ur parents to kiss butt and do what u want if u r paying ur own way to college or u have a damn good job that u dont need them ne more to supply u with money and food and a house. but if u do need them for that then i recommend that u act like u dont know all this and start saving up all the sweet cash that the hand u like in a savings account or checking account somewhere they wont know u have it and then when u r finachially stable hall ***

Answer 7

At eighteen you are an adult you can move out and pretty well do as you want except drink, watch really explicit junk, and operate certain devices (semi-trucks, some fork lifts etc) oh and you can't get a falconer or other rare animal license until you're 21 but other than that as I said you can do just about anything as long as you don't break the law.

Answer 8

I moved out at 18. BTW at 16 in most states you could've emancipated yourself from your parents.

At 18 you can have all the benefits and disadvantages of adulthood.

Good Luck!

Answer 9

At this age the law recignizes you as an adult. You are allowed to vote,can be called for jury duty. You don't have to be 21to movee out. The biggest difference will be on your own you'll have to support yourself unlessyou get outside help. Don't let your parents pushyou around.

Answer 10

Sadly, if you live in the US you have less freedoms than say communist China or Cuba, what the government and media tell you about 'freedom' is just a well orchestrated lie.

Thus, at 18 outside of the US you are considered an adult and are bestowed the same rights and privileges as every one else.

In the US turning 18 means little more than being allowed to watch adult movies, oh, but remember not to watch them with a cold beer as your not allowed until you turn 21.