As our children embark on their next chapter in life, whether it’s heading off to college, taking a gap year, or entering the workforce, we parents face a bittersweet milestone. Our kids, now 18, are legally considered adults. While we’ve done our best to prepare them for what lies ahead, we may still need to act on their behalf in certain situations.
However, once they turn 18, our ability to help is no longer automatic. Without proper written consent, we can’t make decisions for them anymore. To ensure we can still support our adult children when needed, there are three crucial documents we should help them complete:
1. Power of Attorney
Even if our kids may still depend on us financially, we can’t make financial decisions for them without this document. A Power of Attorney allows us to sign documents and manage financial affairs on our child’s behalf. This is particularly useful for college students, as it enables us to handle matters like ordering academic transcripts or signing a lease, even though the school contract is between the university and our child.
2. Health Care Proxy
As parents, we’re acutely aware that accidents can happen, and young adults are at higher risk. A Health Care Proxy allows us to make medical decisions for our child if they’re unable to do so themselves. Without this, we might need to go to court to obtain authority for making critical medical decisions. It’s best to have this in place before any emergencies arise.
3. HIPAA Release and Authorization
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) restricts who can receive a patient’s medical information. Once our child turns 18, healthcare providers are legally prohibited from sharing their medical information with us. A signed HIPAA Authorization allows medical facilities to share this information with us and other specified family members.
As we shop for dorm essentials or work attire, let’s make sure to add “complete important legal documents” to our to-do list. These documents can save time and money, but more importantly, they provide peace of mind. We’ll know we can be there for our children in case of an emergency, even as they spread their wings.
Before your child leaves the nest this fall, consider scheduling an appointment with a legal professional to get these documents in order. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in our ability to support our adult children as they navigate their newfound independence.
Founded by a nurse attorney and with offices in Acton, Sudbury, and Andover, Massachusetts, Generations Law Group helps families navigate the complex areas of estate planning and elder law to inform and protect loved ones of every generation.
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