Age of majority is the age at which a person becomes an adult in legal terms. When a minor attains this age, the law considers the minor an adult. The person now being an adult becomes solely responsible for all actions and decisions taken by him/her. In other words, it is the age at which the parents (or guardians) are no more responsible for the adult. Age of majority is a legal concept that gives the person whole responsibility over one’s decisions and actions alike. However, it is independent of the actual mental or physical majority the person has attained. Q. In the state of Tennessee, what is the age of majority? In Tennessee, the law states the age is 18. After 18 years, the parents have no legal obligation towards their child. They cannot be held responsible for any action of their child. The parents also lose the right to access any information related to their child. For example, they lose access legally to any medical or educational information. However, if the child provides a written permission, then the parents can be allowed to access such information. Q. When the child reaches age of majority, is it possible to modify child support payments in the state of Alabama? In Alabama, if one pays child support payments directly to one’s spouse, one can stop the payments when the child graduates. However, if one is paying the child support payments to the court directly, one will have to file a petition to modify the child support payments. Q. Does the age of majority affect child support payments in Massachusetts? It usually differs from one state to another. In the state of Massachusetts, the court may allow child support to continue if the child is living with the parent and is dependent on the parent due to educational purposes. The legal age here is 21 years. This is under Mass code section 208 section 28 of Massachusetts law. However, the above said educational purpose should not extend beyond an undergraduate degree. The father may continue to pay child support if the child still lives with the parent and is dependent on the parent for pursuing education. Q. Is it possible to terminate child support when the child attains age of majority? When the child attains age of majority, the parent(s) should petition the court for termination for termination of child support. Such a petition is called an Order to Show Cause (OSC). A family facilitator's office present in each county can assist one with the paperwork required. Q. Can the parents be held responsible for any crime committed by a child after he or she becomes an adult? A child becomes legally adult when he/she attains the age of majority. Being an adult, if the child commits a crime, he/she is solely responsible for his/her own actions in any criminal matter. The parents would no longer be responsible for the child’s actions. The legal age of majority affects many legal issues including custody of child and child support. It is natural to be confused about the impact that age of majority can have on the support one gives as a parent or receives as a minor. It also poses a lot of questions in one’s mind regarding one’s responsibilities in the eyes of the law.
Related Articles -
age of majority, legal age of majority, when does a child become an adult, age of majority definition, age of majority laws,
|