Your child just turned 18. They’re headed to college, starting a job, or moving out to live on their own. You’ve taught them how to drive, cook, and budget. But now, you’re no longer legally allowed to step in and make decisions for them. Even in an emergency.

What this means:

• You have NO access to medical information.
• You have NO decision-making power.
• You have NO say in financial or academic matters.

There are five legal documents that every young adult needs before leaving home. Don’t mistake these for simple forms. These are documents that will help you support your young adult and give you both peace of mind.

The five must-have legal documents are:

1. Durable Power of Attorney for Finances. This allows you to help manage bank accounts, tuition payments, and other financial matters if your young adult can’t.
2. FERPA Release. This document gives you access to your child’s college records, including grades, enrollment status, and disciplinary issues. Without it, schools will not share this information with you.
3. HIPAA Authorization. This document gives you access to your child’s medical records and providers in an emergency.
4. Healthcare Power of Attorney. This allows you to make medical decisions if your child is incapacitated for any reason.
5. Living Will. A living will is the legal way for your child to outline how they want their healthcare and treatment decided if they’re facing a life-threatening medical situation and can’t communicate.

Act Now To Protect Your Young Adult

College, travel, and internships all come with adventure and unpredictability. If your child is in an accident or gets sick, you want to be able to help them. You can’t if you’re blocked by red tape.

As we all know, being a parent doesn’t stop when your child turns 18. Your legal ability to protect your child shouldn’t stop then, either. Talk to us about our protection plan for college students and young adults.

We’re here to help you protect your young adults.

This post was created by Avatus Stone, COO & estate planning strategist at JM LAW, PLLC.