Congratulations on your child recently turning 18!
Now what?
Upon your child turning 18, you the parent are no longer in charge. Your 18-year-old is.
Turning 18 means your child has new responsibilities, and one of those is being their own health care decision-maker. If they don’t want to get that cavity filled? It may be a bad choice, but it’s theirs to make when they turn 18.
Parents and new adults alike are often unaware that when a person turns 18, parents are no longer able to make health care decisions for their children. Completing advance directives allows your child to outline their wishes for care and choose a person who can speak for them if ever needed.
It’s easy to feel invincible at 18, but it’s important to be prepared for anything that comes along. Accidents can happen to anyone, whether at work, at home, or away at school. It’s important to make sure your child has named someone to make health care decisions for them if one day they cannot.
Our office recommends everyone 18 years of age and older have the following documents in place:
HIPAA consent FERPA consent Power of Attorney Living Will Health Care Proxy Agent Remains
Call our office at 631-675-2540 to schedule your complimentary introductory call with one of our attorneys to learn how your child can safeguard their future healthcare and financial decisions with these documents.