The new landing page “My child is turning 18 – What parents should know now” from the Economic Consumer Protection project brings together various information for parents and provides an overview to clarify: What is changing and where is action needed?
Direct link “My child is turning 18 – What parents should know now”
My child is turning 18! But what all changes now? We summarize what parents should consider when their child reaches adulthood – from powers of attorney and insurance to concluding contracts.
What legal changes will my child experience?
From their 18th birthday, your child is fully legally competent. This brings with it a number of changes that you as parents should be aware of and ideally discuss with your child.
When your child turns 18, they can independently sign contracts – for example, a rental agreement or a mobile phone contract. Furthermore, the provisions of the Youth Employment Protection Act no longer apply from the age of 18. This means that the legal regulations regarding working hours and breaks are extended. Similarly, youth protection regulations change, governing, for example, access to tobacco, alcohol, and films.
Criminal law and the possibilities for legal prosecution of your child also change. The following applies: Adults are fully criminally responsible. However, between the ages of 18 and 21, the less severe adult criminal law may still apply in certain circumstances.
At 18, a marriage can be entered into even without parental or family court consent. Once your child reaches the age of majority, they can also act as a guarantor. However, this should be carefully considered, as a guarantor is liable with their entire assets! You can find more information about guarantees here.
Turning 18: Checklist for parents
Generally speaking, you as parents are still needed to guide and support your child even after their 18th birthday – not just in emergencies.
Therefore, you should usually review all existing contracts, accounts, and insurance policies.
For some contracts and memberships, your child only needs to prove their student or trainee status to continue benefiting from discounts. For other contracts and memberships, it's possible to continue including your child through the family plan.
The following information is intended to support you and draw attention to important upcoming changes – go through these together with your child.
Topics:
- My child is turning 18: What changes regarding money and accounts?
- My child is turning 18: What changes with insurance?
- My child is turning 18: What is important for starting vocational training and university studies?
- My child is turning 18: What changes regarding memberships and fees?
- My child is turning 18: What changes regarding powers of attorney and advance directives?