Compliments of Our Law Firm,
Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
- Durable Financial Power of Attorney: With a Durable Financial Power ofAttorney, your child appoints you as their “agent” and gives you the authority tomanage their money or property under certain defined circumstances. This is thedocument that, if appropriately drafted, can allow you to sign a lease on behalfof your child.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney: This document allows your child to appoint youto make medical decisions on their behalf if your child is unable to make thosedecisions. Without a healthcare power of attorney, if your eighteen-year-old isseriously injured or gravely ill, there is no requirement for the doctors toallow you to participate in the medical decision-making process.
- HIPAA Authorization Form: Under the federal Health Insurance Portability andAccountability Act, medical providers must be extremely cautious about theunauthorized release of their patients’ information. Once your child turnseighteen, doctors are prohibited by law from sharing their medical informationwith you – unless your child has given them express consent to do so. The HIPAAAuthorization Form allows you access to your child’s medical records, whether youneed a copy of their vaccination record for college enrollment or you need toaddress a more serious health concern.
At eighteen, your child is likely ready to branch out and start exploring theworld. However, this doesn’t mean they’re ready to leave the nest without helpfrom you. With a little planning, you can be there for your young adult as theymake the next steps toward independence.