What happens when a child account turns 18?

Asked by: Ubaldo Heaney Sr.  |  Last update: February 1, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (38 votes)

These accounts are controlled by a custodian, usually the parent. Depending on state law, when the child attains age 18 1 or 21 2, he or she assumes control of the account.

What happens to a child account when they turn 18?

Until they are 18 a minor will have to have a joint account with an adult. At ANY time the adult can clean all the money out of the account. This includes after they turn 18. So as soon as you turn 18 it would be a very good idea to create a new account and then you clean all the money out and into the new account.

What happens to Apple ID when a child turns 18?

When you turn 18, you can decide to leave your Family Sharing group or manage your own Screen Time settings.

What happens to a custodial account when the child turns 18?

Upon turning 18, your daughter becomes the legal owner of the custodial account, and you no longer have any control or authority over the funds.

Should I update my will when my child turns 18?

In that case, you do still need to update your will when they turn 18—but you need to focus on care instructions, adult guardianship and where they'll live if they can't live with you.

What happens to my child’s JISA account when they turn 18?

23 related questions found

Do my parents have any legal rights after I turn 18?

Specifically, your rights as a parent diminish when your child turns 18, including the right to know anything about their finances, medical condition, or even school records. That means, for example, that if your child were injured, you wouldn't have the right to make medical decisions on their behalf.

Can I keep my kids from controlling their entire inheritance at 18?

If not specified otherwise, the child will gain full control of the inheritance at age 18; however, parents can assign a particular age over the age of 18 if they wish. These trusts can create a very specific set of rules for how minor children will receive their inheritance.

Do parents pay taxes on custodial accounts?

Opening a custodial account for the child in your life can be an excellent way to set them up for future financial success. But, as with anything related to money, you must consider the tax consequences. You may owe taxes at both your rate and the child's, and they might even have to file a tax return.

When I turn 18 can my parents see my bank account?

At 18 years old, it's time to consider severing your joint account and putting yourself in charge of the money. Why? No matter how old you are, your parent will have full access to your funds if they are a joint owner of your account. Only you can access the funds once you remove your parent from the bank account.

What are the disadvantages of an UTMA account?

What Are the Negatives of a UTMA Account?
  • Irrevocable Gifts: Once assets are placed into the UTMA account, they cannot be taken back.
  • Limited Control: Upon reaching the age of majority, the minor has full control over the assets, regardless of their financial acumen.

What age should I turn off parental controls?

As you build trust together, you can also start talking about how you'll start removing these restrictions as kids get closer to 18, because ultimately, they'll need to learn how to navigate tech on their own. “I like to let go of control as they're turning to 16 or 17,” Werle-Kimmel says.

Can you leave Apple family at 18?

Any family member over the age of 13 can remove themselves from a family group at any time. Just select your name and then select Leave Family. You can also sign in to the Apple Account website and choose Remove Account in the Family Sharing section.

Can a child's Apple ID use FaceTime?

Your Child's Apple Account

For example, your child will be able to: Make and receive FaceTime video and voice calls. Create and share content such as photos, videos, audio messages, and texts using Camera, Photos, Messages, Mail, Schoolwork, and other Apple apps.

What happens when my child turns 18?

The “age of majority” – Once your child hits a certain age (usually 18), they have reached the “age of majority.” This means, as far as the law is concerned, he or she is an adult, and information regarding their health, finances, and education will not be disclosed to anyone without their written consent.

Can I take my parents off my bank account at 18?

The CFPB says that under most state laws or bank rules, you usually cannot remove the joint account holder without the other person's consent. One advantage to having a joint account at the same bank as your parent is the ease with which they can transfer money from their account to yours.

What do I need from my parents when I turn 18?

Legal documents such as durable power of attorney, a healthcare proxy and a HIPAA release can give parents the legal right to make decisions if their child needs help.

What happens to my child's bank account when they turn 18?

Minors do not have direct access or control over the funds until they reach legal age. However, once the minor reaches age 18, 19, or 21 (depending on the state), the custodian can deliver the funds to the minor, and account becomes theirs and they are free to do whatever they want with the money.

Are you legally 18 on your birthday?

In most states, turning 18 means you have reached the “age of majority” and are considered an adult in the eyes of the law.

How to change high school checking to college checking?

Eligible students 17 years or older can change their account from a High School Checking account to a Chase College Checking account by seeing a banker at a Chase branch. You'll need proof of student status (for example, a transcript or acceptance letter) and expected graduation date.

How much money can your parents give you without being taxed?

What is the gift tax exclusion? The basic gift tax exclusion or exemption is the amount you can give each year to one person and not worry about being taxed. The gift tax exclusion limit for 2023 was $17,000, and for 2024 it's $18,000.

What are the disadvantages of a custodial account?

The drawbacks: You can't change the beneficiary of a custodial account once it's established. Your child can use the money however they want after reaching a certain age, and investment income in custodial accounts may trigger the kiddie tax. The account can impact financial aid eligibility.

Who pays taxes on a child's savings account?

Interest earnings for a children's savings account are subject to income tax if they exceed a certain amount. If your child's interest, dividends and other unearned income total more than $2,200 in one year, the unearned income for certain children might be hit with federal taxes.

Can your parents control your money at 18?

Once your child reaches age 18, you can no longer make decisions for them, even if they're incapacitated, unless they have signed a health care proxy. Similarly, a durable power of attorney authorizes you to manage your child's finances in the event that they are unable to make decisions themselves.

What is the best way to leave money to your adult children?

In these circumstances, a trust can help set up specific management plans for your assets, provide tax benefits and give your beneficiaries time to adjust to having assets held for them. If you have a straightforward estate and mature adult children, leaving assets outright to them might be appropriate.

Can my parents control me after I turn 18?

Your parents are your guardians until you reach the age of majority at 18 and therefore make all of the major decisions for you. Before 18, there are decisions that you are allowed to make on your own on a case-by-case basis. You are allowed to make certain medical decisions on your own by the age of 14, for example.