3 Essential Legal Documents for Young Adults

What are the legal documents you should have in place when you turn eighteen? This is probably not the first thing that comes to mind in this stage of seeming invincibility. New adventures await and breaking any sense of dependency can feel liberating.

However, recent articles in Forbes and USA Today caution against this lack of foresight. Even if parents are paying health insurance and covering bills, when a young person turns eighteen, their parents no longer have legal access or oversight for their child’s health records and financial accounts.

When Sheri Warsh, an estates attorney in Chicago received a phone call that her college-aged son was in an ambulance heading for the hospital, she called and asked to speak with the emergency doctor. “They asked, ‘Is he 18?’ I said, ‘Yes.’” Then they asked if she had Power of Attorney. When she answered, “No,” they explained, “We can’t talk with you.”

Crisis situations like these can be avoided. There is a straightforward and simple way to ensure that parents can provide support and oversight in the case of unforeseen medical and financial difficulties.

What are the key documents to have in place?

HIPAA is a federal law that ensures sensitive medical information remains private. By signing a HIPAA authorization, an individual can name the people who who can access their medical records.

Healthcare Power of Attorney is a legal document that names a “health care agent” who can make medical decisions on your behalf in the case of severe illness or incapacity. You may also include a companion document, a Living Will (also known as an Advance Directive) that specifies your preference for end-of-life medical interventions in the case that you are unable to communicate your wishes.

Durable Power of Attorney appoints someone to take care of your finances when you are unable to do so.

These documents require official notarization and are best completed with someone who can talk you through the details and considerations. Our team at Hillsborough Wills & Trusts can help you complete the process quickly and secure you the peace of mind that the work has been done well.

Call us for a free consultation at 919-245-8440 or contact us today.