Turning 18 is a major milestone, not just symbolically, but legally. What many parents don’t realize is that the moment their child becomes a legal adult, they are entitled to full privacy under the law. This means parents may no longer have access to their child’s medical records, financial accounts, or the ability to make decisions on their behalf, even in emergencies.
This shift can be especially concerning for parents who have been deeply involved in their child’s health care, education, and financial matters. Without proper legal documentation in place, you may find yourself unexpectedly sidelined during critical moments such as a medical emergency or while your child is studying abroad or away at college.
To prepare for this new phase of independence, many professionals recommend that young adults establish two essential legal documents:
- Durable Power of Attorney: This allows a trusted person such as a parent to make financial or legal decisions on the young adult’s behalf if needed, such as managing bank accounts, signing documents, or handling lease agreements.
- Healthcare Proxy (or Medical Power of Attorney): This authorizes someone to make medical decisions if the young adult is unable to do so themselves, such as during an accident or illness.
Without these documents, parents may need to go through a time-consuming and costly court process to gain the legal authority to step in, something that can be avoided with proactive planning.
If your child is heading off to college, moving out of state, or beginning a new job, this is a great time to start the conversation. While we do not provide legal advice, we can help you understand how these documents may fit into a broader financial or estate plan.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about how to integrate these tools into your family’s planning, we’re here to help.
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