Implications of attaining the

legal age- CIVIL LAW

Bettina P. Barrion, CPA
What if I turn 18?
Republic Act 6809

An 18-year-old becomes qualified and

responsible for all acts of civil life, save
the exceptions established by existing
laws in special cases.
True or False

Now that I’m 18, I can now do whatever I

want with my property subject to the
approval of my parents.
 FALSE

Emancipation terminates
parental authority over the
person and property of the
child and he or she is thereby
qualified to do, and be
responsible for all acts of civil
life save for exceptions
established by existing laws
in special cases
True or False

Now that I’m 18, I am

LEGALLY no longer
entitled to support from
my parents since they no
longer have parental
authority over me.
FALSE
The obligation of the parents to provide
support is NOT coterminous with the
exercise of parental authority. If a
person is of age and no longer studies,
he is still entitled to support unless there
are just reasons for the extinguishment
of the right. (Javier v. Lucero, 94 Phil.
634). If, upon the other hand, he has not
yet finished his studies even if already
of age, he is still entitled generally to be
supported.
True or False

Now that I’m 18, I may now establish my

own corporation or a partnership.
TRUE

All persons who are authorized in

the New Civil Code to obligate
themselves, may enter into a
contract. One who is emancipated
may enter into a contract, and such
being a valid contract, it cannot
easily be voided or annulled unless
it is illicit or illegal.
Lease my own car?
Sell my own car?
Donate my own property?
Mortgage my own property?
Get my own insurance?
Get a loan?
Act on behalf of my parents as an agent?
True or False

Now that I’m 18, I can now sue someone

before the court; But I cannot be sued in
court since I am still a teenager except
with the assistance of my parents or
guardian.
 FALSE

An emancipated person
can sue and be sued
ALONE. The assistance or
consent of the father,
mother or guardian is not
anymore required.
True or False

Now that I’m 18, I can now make my own

WILL or be a witness to someone making
his or her own will.
TRUE

In order that a person can make a

will he must be at least eighteen
years of age. Any person of sound
mind and of the age of eighteen
years or more, and not blind, deaf
or dumb, and able to read and
write, may be a witness to the
execution of a will.
True or False

Now that I’m 18, I may no longer be adopted

since I have become emancipated under the
law.
 Partly False

Under the Domestic

Adoption Act, a person of
legal age, regardless of civil
status, may be adopted if,
prior to the adoption, said
person has been
consistently considered and
treated by the adopters as
their own child since
minority.
True or False

Now that I’m 18, I am now entitled to have a

driver’s license.
FALSE

A person who is 18 years of

age is eligible TO APPLY for a
Driver’s License, provided he
possesses all other
qualifications set forth by law,
and has completed all the
requirements to needed to
obtain a Driver’s License.
True or False

Now that I’m 18, I can already get

married even without the consent of my
parents.
 PARTLY FALSE

Any male or female of the

age of eighteen years or
upwards without any legal
impediments may contract
marriage. In case of lack
of parental consent, the
marriage may be annulled
under conditions provided
for by law.