Turning 18? It’s Time to Talk Estate Planning—Yes, Really!

Graduation season is here, and it comes hand in hand with a major life transition: becoming a legal adult. Whether your young adult is heading off to college, starting a job, or still figuring things out, one important milestone often gets overlooked—estate planning.  “Estate planning? At 18?” Hear me out.

Adulthood Means Autonomy—And Responsibility
Your newly minted 18-year-old is now legally considered an adult. That means as parents or guardians, you no longer have automatic access to their medical information or the authority to make decisions on their behalf in an emergency. Even if you’re the one footing the bill for school tuition or health insurance, your legal rights to step in are very limited. If your son or daughter were to be in an vehicle accident or face a medical emergency, you could face delays or even be shut out from assisting them with decision making — unless the right legal documents are in place.

Two Simple Documents That Make a Big Difference
For most young adults, a basic estate plan can be as simple as signing two key documents:

1. Medical Power of Attorney (also called Patient Advocate Designation in Michigan):
   This allows your young adult to choose someone they trust (usually a parent) to make medical decisions for them if they’re unable to speak for themselves. It can also include HIPAA authorization so you can access medical information in a crisis.
2. Financial Power of Attorney:
   This authorizes a chosen person to manage finances or legal matters temporarily if needed—things like talking to the bank, paying bills, or handling school-related issues on their behalf.
   
   

Peace of Mind for the Whole Family
These documents don’t take long to prepare and they don’t mean giving up independence. They simply ensure that your young adult has someone they trust to help if life takes an unexpected turn. It’s a smart, responsible step—and one of the first legal decisions a new adult can make for themselves.
​
Ready to Get Started?
If you or your graduate are ready to put these protections in place, I offer simple, affordable planning options tailored for young adults. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation to learn more.

---