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Considerations When Your Child Turns 18
Aug 31, 2021
Most parents breathe a sigh of relief when their child crosses the line from “child” to “adult” at the age of 18. Before celebrating this milestone there are some documents you’ll want to have in place to facilitate your involvement if needed.
While they’ll always be a child in your eyes, in the eyes of the law, things change significantly when they turn 18. Many parents are surprised to learn when their child turns 18, they no longer have access to their health or financial records. This can be particularly alarming, especially in the event of an emergency (i.e., when consent for medical care is necessary).
A few safeguards can be put into place to alleviate the stress of scrambling to get documents in place, or court orders approved at last-minute.
Critical Documents When Your Child Turns 18
- Health Care Proxy or Medical Power of Attorney
- Allows you to act on behalf of your child in the event they are unable to make those decisions
- HIPAA Release
- Permits healthcare providers to discuss medical records with anyone designated
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Allows you to make financial decisions on behalf of your child (pay bills, sign tax returns, etc.)
In the event of a medical emergency, depending on the relevant state law, parents without proper documentation may not be able to find out how their child is doing, much less make decisions about the child’s treatment. If your child is moving out of state, please check that state’s requirements for medical directives. You want to ensure the documents you’ve put in place will be honored in that state.
If your child is heading off to college, there are a few additional items you’ll want to consider:
- FERPA Waiver:
- When one turns 18 years old or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, all rights afforded to you as a parent under FERPA transfer to the student. Your college student must grant you access to their grades / educational records (even if you are paying the bills!)
- Health Insurance
- Confirm health insurance will cover treatment from providers in the school’s location.
- Auto Insurance
- If your child is taking a vehicle to college, see if their coverage needs to change when the car and student aren’t at your residence.
- You may also be able to save on premiums if the student isn’t in the house and will not be driving a second covered vehicle.
- Student’s grades may qualify for a “good-student” discount
- If student is not taking vehicle to college, there may be an “away at school” discount available from insurer.
- Renter’s Insurance
- You may need to purchase renter’s insurance for your child’s valuables while at college. If they are living in a dorm, your homeowner’s insurance may cover the contents of their dorm room. Check with your insurer.
Most of these items can be prepared and put into place before your child turns 18. Your child may initially balk at the idea of giving you access to their medical information, finances, and educational records. Assure them this isn’t an attempt to control them but rather something to have in place in the event it’s needed.