Many parents are surprised to learn that once a child turns 18, they no longer have automatic authority to access their child's medical information, communicate with healthcare providers, handle certain financial matters, or obtain academic records—even if the child is still financially dependent on them. While this right to privacy and autonomy is an important part of becoming an independent adult, it can create challenges if a young adult needs assistance during a medical situation or other unexpected life event.
A simple estate plan for young adults helps ensure that parents or other trusted individuals can step in when needed. These documents help prepare young adults for life's uncertainties and ensure that trusted individuals can provide support when it is needed most:
Advance Health Care Directive
An Advance Health Care Directive allows a young adult to designate a trusted person—often a parent—to make healthcare decisions if they become unable to make those decisions themselves.
For example, if a college student requires surgery, is hospitalized away from home, or experiences a medical condition that temporarily affects their ability to communicate, the person named in the directive can work with healthcare providers and help ensure that important decisions are made in accordance with the student's wishes.
The document also allows young adults to express their preferences regarding medical treatment and personal care, providing guidance to both their loved ones and healthcare providers.
HIPAA Release
Even when a young adult wants their parents involved, healthcare providers may be limited in what information they can share without written authorization. A HIPAA Authorization allows doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers to discuss medical information with designated individuals. This can be particularly helpful when a parent is assisting with medical appointments, helping coordinate care from a distance, or simply trying to stay informed during a hospitalization or health-related challenge.
Having access to information often enables families to provide better support and advocacy when it is needed most.
FERPA Release
Once a student turns 18 or enrolls in college, federal privacy laws generally prevent schools from sharing educational records with parents without the student's consent. A FERPA Release authorizes colleges and universities to communicate with parents or other designated individuals regarding academic records and certain administrative matters. While many students never need parental involvement in these areas, circumstances occasionally arise where a parent can be a valuable source of support. For example, a student may experience a health issue that affects class attendance, encounter an unexpected administrative problem, or simply want a parent to assist in resolving an academic or financial aid matter.
A FERPA Release ensures that communication can occur when the student wants and needs that assistance.
Durable Power of Attorney for Asset Management
A Durable Power of Attorney for Asset Management authorizes a trusted person to handle financial and legal matters if a young adult is unable to do so themselves. This authority can be invaluable if a young adult becomes temporarily incapacitated due to illness or injury, is studying abroad, or encounters circumstances that make it difficult to manage important responsibilities. An agent acting under a power of attorney may be able to communicate with financial institutions, manage accounts, pay bills, handle insurance matters, or sign documents on the young adult's behalf when necessary.
Without this document, even well-intentioned parents may have limited ability to assist with financial matters.
A Thoughtful Gift for the Future
Estate planning is often associated with retirement or wealth preservation, but some of the most important planning can take place at the very beginning of adulthood. An Advance Health Care Directive, HIPAA Authorization, FERPA Release, and Durable Power of Attorney for Asset Management help ensure that trusted individuals can provide support when needed and that important decisions can be made without unnecessary delays.
Whether your child is heading off to college, entering the workforce, traveling, or simply celebrating their eighteenth birthday, these documents provide a simple way to prepare for life's uncertainties and create peace of mind for the entire family.