That poses another interesting question: what if 'adulthood' were a legal status you could enter into the same way you get things like drivers licenses or marriage licenses (with or without classes, written tests, whatever). You go and apply for your 'adult' license when you reach a certain minimum age (14? Although parent signature is required before age 16?) -- it will be a gimmee unless there's a legal or medical record somewhere attesting to general mental incompetence. And then viola! You're' now legally responsible for everything that an adult is (college kids might choose to get the license later to minimize their liability until after they complete school. ;P)