Graduation season is here! This exciting milestone often signifies more independence for your child, whether they’re heading off to college, embarking on a summer internship, or starting a new career. As they venture into adulthood, a crucial legal reality emerges: at age 18, your child becomes an adult in the eyes of the law.
This means parents no longer have automatic legal authority to access medical records, speak with doctors on their behalf, manage their finances, or make personal decisions in their absence. This applies even if your young adult lives at home or remains on your health insurance plan.
The good news? There are proactive steps you can take to ensure some level of control during unforeseen circumstances.
Here are three key legal documents to discuss with your recent graduate:
This document authorizes your teen to designate someone (often a parent) to handle their financial affairs if they become incapacitated due to illness, injury, or travel. This empowers you to manage their bank accounts, pay bills, and make financial decisions on their behalf.
Similar to a durable power of attorney, a healthcare directive grants your teen the ability to choose someone they trust to make medical decisions if they’re unable to do so themselves. This ensures critical medical care decisions are made according to their wishes.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patient privacy. With a HIPAA release form, your young adult can authorize you to access their medical information when needed, allowing for open communication and informed healthcare decisions, especially during emergencies.
By taking these steps, you can navigate your child’s transition to adulthood smoothly while ensuring you both have the legal tools needed to navigate unforeseen challenges.
If you’d like to learn more, we encourage you to reach out to our office for a consultation to discuss these documents in more detail and ensure your family has the legal framework in place for a secure and independent future.
