Your Guide to Understanding Your Rights, Responsibilities, and How to Protect Yourself When You Turn 18 Congratulations, You’re 18! In Massachusetts you’ve now reached the age of legal adulthood. With this milestone, you have nearly all the legal rights and responsibilities of an adult. Among your new rights are the right to vote and serve on a jury, to marry, to enlist in the military or choose medical care, and to be responsible for any contracts you sign. This is an exciting time, opening the door to new opportunities and challenges. This guide gives an overview of some of these new opportunities to participate as a legal adult and gives some tips for handling finances, understanding the legal obligations involved when signing a contract, fully participating in our civic life, and much more. This guide highlights just some of the laws that may apply to you at this important turning point in your life. Keep in mind that laws are subject to change and that this a guide only and, as such, does not contain legal advice. Cordially, Maura Healey Massachusetts Attorney General |