YOUR BABY AIN'T YOUR BABY ANYMORE.
They turned 18. The legal paperwork needs to grow up, too.
You dropped them off at college. Or maybe they're working, traveling, living at home, or still asking you how to use the washing machine.
Either way, something important happened on their 18th birthday:
In the eyes of the law, they're an adult.
And that changes what Mom and Dad may legally be able to do when their adult child needs help.
What Actually Changes at 18?
Turning 18 doesn't change the relationship. It does change some of the legal authority that comes with being a parent.
Once your child is legally an adult, you may no longer automatically be able to obtain medical information, make medical decisions, or handle financial matters for them simply because you're Mom or Dad.
Most families never think about that distinction.
Until they need to.
The good news is that this usually isn't a complicated problem to solve.
Three Documents That Can Make a Big Difference
HIPAA AUTHORIZATION
Once your child turns 18, their medical information is their private information. A HIPAA authorization lets them decide who can receive that information.
MEDICAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
This lets your young adult choose who can make medical decisions for them if they're unable to make those decisions themselves.
DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY
This lets your young adult choose someone they trust to handle financial and legal matters when they can't handle those matters themselves.
This isn't about taking control away from your 18-year-old. It's about letting them decide who should have authority if they need help.
Let's Make This Part Easy.
Questions first? Let's talk: (972) 646-1650
Your 18-year-old doesn't need another orientation packet. And you don't need another project.
We'll help you figure out which basic legal documents make sense and get them in place.