It may not initially make sense for an 18 year old to need an estate plan since most do not have assets about which to be concerned. However, in most states, an 18 year old is an adult in the eyes of the law, with legal rights relating to privacy and decision making. As soon as a child turns 18, parents will lose authority to view medical and financial records related to the child, as well as be prevented from making decisions on their child’s behalf.

In order to ease the transition into adulthood, parents and 18 year old children should consider two important estate planning documents. The first is an Advance Health Care Directive (sometimes called a Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney). This document will allow the adult child to name an agent to make health care decisions for the child in the event the child is unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate. In conjunction with the health care document, the adult child should also execute a HIPAA waiver which will allow the agent to view medical records and discuss current health issues with medical professionals, assisting the young adult with the understanding and management of current health conditions.

The second important document is a Power of Attorney for Finances, which allows the adult child to name the parent to discuss the adult child’s finances with financial institutions and assist with the management of other financial tasks, such as rental and landlord issues, obtaining and paying for medical and/or auto insurance, discussing and paying bills, speaking with the adult child’s landlord, replacing lost credit or atm cards, etc.

Both documents should be designated to be effective immediately upon signature (rather than becoming effective only upon incapacity) so that the designated agents can act at any time. Starting young adults with these basic estate planning documents can provide guidance during the transition to adulthood and allow parents to remain involved on an as needed basis.

In accordance with Circular 230 Disclosure