Blog: Turning 18? The Legal Documents Every Young Adult Needs
By: Alex R. Flaten
INTRODUCTION
Turning 18 is a big milestone. You can vote, sign contracts, and make your own medical and financial decisions. But here’s the part many families don’t realize: once you turn 18, your parents no longer have automatic legal authority to help you, even in an emergency.
That’s why every young adult—whether heading to college, starting a job, joining the military, or simply living independently—should have a few essential legal documents in place.
HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE (HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY)
Once you’re 18, medical providers cannot share information with your parents without your consent. A Health Care Directive allows you to:
Appoint someone you trust (often a parent) to make medical decisions if you’re unable to do so
Authorize access to medical records
State basic wishes about treatment and end-of-life care
This document is especially important for college students living away from home or young adults who travel frequently.
HIPAA AUTHORIZATION
A HIPAA Authorization works alongside a Health Care Directive and allows doctors and hospitals to share medical information with designated individuals.
Without this document:
Parents may be left in the dark during a medical emergency
Schools and hospitals may refuse to release information—even in urgent situations
This is one of the simplest documents to create, but one of the most important.
FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
A Financial Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to handle financial matters if you’re unavailable or incapacitated. This can include:
Managing bank accounts
Paying bills
Handling insurance or student loan issues
Dealing with a landlord or employer
This is particularly helpful if a young adult is out of state, studying abroad, or dealing with unexpected illness or injury.
SIMPLE WILL (YES, EVEN AT 18)
Many people assume wills are only for later in life—but even young adults should consider a simple will, especially if they have:
A bank account or savings
A vehicle
Personal belongings they care about
Life insurance or employment benefits
A will ensures your property goes where you want and avoids unnecessary complications for your family.
DIGITAL ASSET ACCESS
Today, much of life is online. A legal plan can include authority for trusted individuals to access:
Email accounts
Social media
Online banking
Cloud storage and photos
Without proper authorization, these accounts can be difficult—or impossible—for family members to manage.
WHY DO THESE DOCUMENTS MATTER?
Emergencies don’t wait until later in life. Having these documents in place:
Prevents delays and confusion
Protects your privacy while allowing trusted help
Gives parents and loved ones peace of mind
Keeps control in your hands
HOW AN ATTORNEY CAN HELP
While many forms exist online, state-specific laws matter, and improperly drafted documents can cause problems when they’re needed most. A lawyer can ensure:
Documents comply with state law
Powers are tailored to the young adult’s situation
Nothing important is overlooked
At Jennrich Law (or your firm name), we regularly help families prepare these essential documents for young adults quickly and affordably—often as part of a graduation or college send-off checklist.
