whats the legal age of majority in the united states, 18 or 21?

Question

hello, im ariel, i just turned 18 yesterday and im an american citizen(born in brooklyn), but i havnt been to the US since then because i never lived there,
i was wondering what is the legal age of being an adult
like being able to sign papers, vote, drive, apply for jobs, legally choose where you want to live, go to discoes/bars, drink, etc.. (well you get the point)

well the reason im asking is because some people including my dad told me that you have to be 21 years old to be able to sign papers or leave home in the laws of the US,

is that true?
what is the age of being an adult?

Answer 1

The age of majority varies, depending on context. In terms of the legal ability of the person, an 18-year old is an adult. He/she may no longer disaffirm contracts by reason of minority. The statute of limitations for torts occurring during minority starts ticking on the 18th birthday.

To get technical: "minority" is a legal disability that leaves the minor under the complete control of the parents, who may dictate whom the child sees, where and when and with whom s/he goes anywhere, where the child lives, et c. et c. et c. 18 year-olds can vote, and if selective service is reactivated, 18-y-olds will put on the green suits just like we did when I was 18. An 18-year-old can make contracts on the same terms as any legal adult.

However, for purposes of the parental support obligation, if the child is under the age of 21, and becomes a public charge, the county is going to seek reibursement from the parents, and in most states, it will succeed unless the child is well and truly emancipated. This is the real reason why medical insurance for the insured's children runs (at least sometimes) until age 21.

And you have to be 21 to purchase beverage alcohol.

Answer 2

The age of majority in the US is 18. At that age you can vote, legally enter into a contract etc.

But... the drinking age is 21 in almost all places in the US, and a few other things have older than 18 ages - driving a big rig, being a commercial pilot, running for President and some others.

Richard

To correct ishootvideo's answer.... You can legally gamble at 18, except in Nevada, where State law is 21. BUT.... most Casinos and cardrooms serve booze, so you can't go in unless you're 21.

Answer 3

You can sign things legally and vote once you are 18 without parental involvement, but other things are state regulated so in some states you can drink at 18 and in others not until 21. Driving is another that varies from state to state. Depends on what kind of jobs you are applying for what age you need to be. Bar tenders and waiters in restaurants that serve drinks must be old enough to drink in that state.

Relative to signing papers and leaving home, 18 is considered adult enough for that in the U.S.

Answer 4

You are able to sign papers, move out, almost anything except drink at the age of 18.

You HAVE to be 21 to drink legally, and get into some bars.

Answer 5

You are a legal adult at the age of 18. You can live on your own, enter into contracts, be tried as an adult if you break the law.

BUT.....

You CAN'T drink alcohol or Gamble in a casino until you are 21. Weird I know.