Question 1

Why does my adult child need estate planning documents?

Accepted Answer

Once a child turns 18, parents no longer automatically have legal authority to make financial or health care decisions for them. Even if your child is still living at home, attending college, or financially dependent on you, having basic estate planning documents in place allows your child to choose who can assist if an unexpected illness, accident, or emergency occurs.

Question 2

What estate planning documents should a young adult have?

Accepted Answer

At a minimum, most young adults should consider a Durable Power of Attorney, an Advance Health Care Directive, and a HIPAA Authorization. These documents allow your child to designate trusted individuals to handle financial matters, make health care decisions when necessary, and obtain important medical information.

Question 3

Can I still speak with my adult child’s doctors or access medical information?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically. Once your child is an adult, medical providers generally cannot disclose protected health information simply because you are the parent. A HIPAA Authorization allows your child to identify the people who may receive and discuss their medical information for a smooth exchange with your child's health care providers.

Question 4

What happens if my adult child cannot make medical or financial decisions and has no documents in place?

Accepted Answer

Without appropriate documents, family members may encounter difficulty obtaining medical information, making certain health care decisions, or handling financial and legal matters for an incapacitated adult child. In some circumstances, court involvement may be necessary to obtain authority to act. Planning ahead can make an already difficult situation much easier for the family.

Question 5

Does my adult child need a living trust?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. A young adult with limited assets may not need a living trust, but that does not mean they do not need an estate plan. Powers of Attorney, health care documents, HIPAA authorizations, and appropriate beneficiary designations can be particularly important. As your child acquires real estate and other significant assets or starts a family, a more comprehensive estate plan may become appropriate.

WILLS & TRUSTS | ESTATE PLANNING

ESTATE PLANNING

College Care Package

Don't Send Your Kids Off to College Without It.

Your child's next chapter is exciting and it comes with new responsibilities. Our College Care Package has the essential legal documents and guidance to help ensure your young adult is protected and prepared for the unexpected.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE INCLUDED?

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY
Allows a trusted person to help with financial and educational matter, if needed.

HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE
Allow a trusted person to make health care decisions if your child is unable to do so.

HIPAA AUTHORIZATION
Allows you and other trusted individuals to communicate with medical providers and access your child's health information.

Why Does My Child Need Legal Documents?

Provides peace of mind for you and your child

Helps to avoid delays in medical or school matters

Allows trusted individuals to manage care if needed

A valuable next step before heading to campus

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why does my adult child need estate planning documents?

What estate planning documents should a young adult have?

Can I still speak with my adult child’s doctors or access medical information?

What happens if my adult child cannot make medical or financial decisions and has no documents in place?

Does my adult child need a living trust?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LET'S PLAN FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST

Set Them Up For Success

ESTATE PLANNING

College Care Package

Don't Send Your Kids Off to College Without It.

Your child's next chapter is exciting and it comes with new responsibilities. Our College Care Package has the essential legal documents and guidance to help ensure your young adult is protected and prepared for the unexpected.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE INCLUDED?

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY Allows a trusted person to help with financial and educational matter, if needed.

HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE Allow a trusted person to make health care decisions if your child is unable to do so.

HIPAA AUTHORIZATION Allows you and other trusted individuals to communicate with medical providers and access your child's health information.

Why Does My Child Need Legal Documents?

Provides peace of mind for you and your child Helps to avoid delays in medical or school matters Allows trusted individuals to manage care if needed A valuable next step before heading to campus

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why does my adult child need estate planning documents?

What estate planning documents should a young adult have?

Can I still speak with my adult child’s doctors or access medical information?

What happens if my adult child cannot make medical or financial decisions and has no documents in place?

Does my adult child need a living trust?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LET'S PLAN FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST

Set Them Up For Success

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY
Allows a trusted person to help with financial and educational matter, if needed.

HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE
Allow a trusted person to make health care decisions if your child is unable to do so.

HIPAA AUTHORIZATION
Allows you and other trusted individuals to communicate with medical providers and access your child's health information.

Provides peace of mind for you and your child

Helps to avoid delays in medical or school matters

Allows trusted individuals to manage care if needed

A valuable next step before heading to campus