Why Every Young Adult Needs a Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive

For many families, estate planning feels like something that can wait until later in life.

But one of the most important planning milestones often arrives much sooner: a child's eighteenth birthday.

Once a young adult turns eighteen, parents no longer have the automatic legal authority to make financial or medical decisions on their behalf, even in an emergency.

This can come as a surprise to many families.

If a college student is hospitalized, injured while traveling, or becomes temporarily unable to manage important matters, parents may discover that doctors, hospitals, banks, and other institutions cannot simply share information or accept instructions from them.

Two simple documents can help address this issue.

A Durable Financial Power of Attorney

A durable financial power of attorney allows a young adult to appoint someone they trust to handle financial and administrative matters if they are unable to do so themselves.

Depending on the circumstances, this authority may help with tasks such as:

• Accessing bank accounts
• Managing bills
• Communicating with financial institutions
• Handling insurance matters
• Signing documents when necessary

The document does not take away a young adult's independence. Instead, it creates a safety net in the event assistance is needed.

A Health Care Directive

A health care directive allows a young adult to appoint someone to make medical decisions if they become unable to communicate their wishes.

It can also provide guidance regarding treatment preferences and other important health care decisions.

Without this document, parents may encounter obstacles when trying to obtain information or participate in medical decision-making during an emergency.

Common Situations Families Don't Anticipate

Many parents assume these documents are only necessary for older adults.

In reality, they can be valuable for:

• College students living away from home
• Young adults traveling abroad
• Military service members
• Young professionals living independently
• Anyone over the age of eighteen

Most families hope they will never need these documents. The goal is not to expect a crisis, but to be prepared if one occurs.

A Simple Gift of Preparation

As children become young adults, parents often focus on practical milestones such as college, employment, housing, and financial independence.

Creating a power of attorney and health care directive is another important step in that transition.

These documents are often straightforward to prepare, but they can provide significant peace of mind for both young adults and the people who care about them.

A little planning today can make a difficult situation much easier to navigate tomorrow.