The legal aspects of becoming an adult
What does it mean in legal terms to become an "adult"?
You have new rights associated with being independent. Just as importantly, you also have new responsibilities, primarily being legally and personally accountable for your actions.
In Illinois, young people are considered an adult when they turn 18 (the exception is in criminal court, where a person is considered an "adult" at age 17). When you turn 18, you have all the rights of an adult except the right to drink alcohol beverages. These include the right to vote, to make a will, to sue in your own name, to make a contract (to rent an apartment, buy a car or take out a loan) in your own name.
They also include the right to get medical treatment without your parents' consent, to be completely independent from parental control (if you no longer live in their home) and to apply for credit in your own name.
Parents generally no longer support children over 18; however, divorced parents sometimes must provide child support. As an adult, you can be sued for breach of a contract or for child support. You are eligible for jury duty, and if you are male, you must register for the military draft.
Criminal charges against you will be tried in adult criminal court, not juvenile court, at age 17.
Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.
© Illinois State Bar Association
If you have questions about the application of the law in a particular case, consult your lawyer. The law is constantly changing. Information on this site or any site to which we link does not constitute legal advice.