The Day I Learned What Being an Adult Really Means

What legal documents should you have once you turn 18?

Once you turn 18, you are legally an adult, which means your parents no longer automatically have access to your medical information or the authority to make certain financial, legal, or health care decisions for you. Three important documents to consider are a Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and HIPAA Authorization.

It’s hard to believe I’m approaching my 30^th birthday. 

Now, I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes and thinking, “Nicole, you’re still young!” And trust me, I know. But it’s still strange to think that a decade ago, I was packing my bags and heading off to college. 

Back then, I was wide-eyed, excited, and completely unaware of what the world had in store for me. I also remember brushing off my parents whenever they reminded me to get certain things organized before leaving for school. Like many young adults, I was convinced I had everything under control. 

Then life happened. 

What Changes Legally When a Young Adult Turns 18?

Like many students, my college experience was interrupted by COVID-19. I was fortunate enough to return to campus in the fall of 2020 and attend classes in person. But that spring, what I thought were seasonal allergies turned out to be COVID. 

I still remember receiving the news. I had less than 30 minutes to pack a bag, get in my car, and report to the school’s quarantine housing for what was supposed to be a two-week isolation period. 

Thankfully, I was able to call my parents, let them know I was safe, and explain what was happening. But here’s something many families don’t realize: the school wasn’t going to contact them. Because I was over 18, I was legally an adult. My parents had no automatic right to receive information about my health or make decisions on my behalf if I became unable to do so myself. 

That experience reinforced something we discuss often: once someone turns 18, they should have three essential legal documents in place—a Durable Power of Attorney, a Health Care Proxy, and a HIPAA Authorization. 

And while these documents are especially important for college students, they aren’t just for students. Every adult should have them. 

What Are These Documents and Why Do They Matter? 

Durable Power of Attorney 

A Durable Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to handle important legal and financial matters if you become unable to do so yourself. 

While many people associate this document with managing finances, it can also allow your chosen agent to communicate with college administrators, address banking issues, coordinate travel arrangements, ensure tax filings are completed on time, and manage other important affairs during an emergency. 

Having a Durable Power of Attorney in place provides peace of mind for both young adults and their families when unexpected situations arise. 

Health Care Proxy 

A Health Care Proxy allows you to designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated or unable to communicate your wishes. 

Whether the situation involves a serious illness, accident, or medical emergency, a Health Care Proxy ensures that someone you trust can advocate for your care when it matters most. 

HIPAA Authorization 

Federal privacy laws protect your medical information. Once you turn 18, doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers generally cannot share information about your medical condition with your parents or loved ones without your permission. 

A HIPAA Authorization gives that permission. 

By signing a HIPAA Authorization, you can allow designated individuals, such as your parents or a life partner, to access medical information and communicate directly with your health care providers. This can be especially important if concerns arise regarding your physical or mental health while you’re away at school or living independently. 

A Simple Step That Makes a Big Difference 

As exciting as college and young adulthood can be, unexpected situations can happen at any time. Make sure you and your family are prepared. Life is starting to pick up speed. Take our Life Protection Assessment to see where you stand, know where you’re strong and what needs attention. We’ll also give you access to a free 30-minute debriefing to explain how to close the gap. Spend another few minutes now and take the Assessment.  

Take the Life Protection Assessment today: https://go.inglelaw.com/life-protection-assessment

FAQs About Young Adulthood and Estate Planning

Why do parents lose access to medical information when their child turns 18?

Once a child turns 18, they are legally an adult. Health care providers generally cannot share the adult child’s protected medical information with parents without permission, subject to certain exceptions. A HIPAA Authorization can give designated individuals permission to receive that information.

What legal documents should a college student have?

College students should consider having three key documents in place: a Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and HIPAA Authorization. Together, these documents can help trusted individuals assist with financial and legal matters, make health care decisions when necessary, and access important medical information.

Can a parent make medical decisions for an 18-year-old?

Not automatically. Once someone turns 18, parents generally no longer have the legal authority to make health care decisions for them. A Health Care Proxy allows an adult to name someone they trust to make medical decisions if they become unable to make or communicate those decisions themselves.

Do young adults who are not in college need these documents?

Yes. These documents are not just for college students. Any adult can experience an unexpected illness, accident, or emergency. Having the appropriate legal documents in place can make it easier for trusted family members or loved ones to help when needed.

What is the difference between a Health Care Proxy and a HIPAA Authorization?

A Health Care Proxy names someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself. A HIPAA Authorization allows designated individuals to access certain protected medical information and communicate with health care providers. The documents serve different purposes and can work together as part of an adult’s legal planning.