What Legal Documents Does My 18-Year-Old Need?

Sabine Franco
Apr 28
3 min read

When your child turns 18, they’re legally considered an adult—even if they still leave empty cereal boxes in the pantry. And while they might feel grown, they still need your guidance. The catch? You can’t legally make medical or financial decisions for them anymore—unless you plan ahead and have the right legal documents in place.

A hand holding a silver "8" candle over a slice of cake with a "1" candle. Confetti on white table, striped shirt visible. Birthday theme.

Most parents are surprised to learn that once a child turns 18, HIPAA and privacy laws kick in. You now have the same access to their records as you would to a stranger down the street: none. But with the right steps, you can stay involved and help them transition confidently into adulthood. Here are three ways to make that happen:

Empower Through Education

Adulting is a journey—and it starts with information. Teach your child about money management using simple tools like “money mapping” (a budgeting method we love). Walk them through checking and savings accounts, credit scores, and how credit cards actually work. Explain how to file taxes, what a W-2 and 1099 are, and why good recordkeeping matters.

Now let’s talk healthcare. Once they’re 18, you won’t automatically get updates if they’re in the hospital. That means they need to understand who they want making medical decisions for them—and how to document that legally.

Start the Hard Conversations

This next part is tough, but necessary: talk with your child about emergency situations. If they were seriously hurt, who would they want making decisions for them? What kind of care would they be okay with—or not?

Be honest. Be open. And most importantly, listen. Your child might want to include other people in their plan, and that’s okay. These conversations are how we make sure their wishes are heard—and respected.

The same goes for finances. If your child is in college, how would you stop tuition or housing payments in an emergency? Would you have access to their bank account if bills need to be paid? Reassure them this isn’t about control—it’s about care.

Get Legal Documents in Place

Once you’ve had those conversations, it’s time to get it all in writing. Here’s what your adult child needs:

Health Care Proxy & Advance Directive – Gives you legal authority to make medical decisions and documents their treatment preferences.
HIPAA Authorization – Lets doctors talk to you and share information.
Living Will – Outlines their wishes for life-sustaining care.
Power of Attorney – Allows you to manage their finances if needed.
Will or Trust (optional) – If your child has assets or wants to plan ahead for what happens after death.

These documents ensure you can step in during a crisis—without court delays or legal red tape. And just like their lives, these documents should be reviewed and updated regularly.

Let’s Do This Together

This is where we come in. At The Ambitious Legacy, we help families have these conversations and get the right documents in place. And we don’t just set it and forget it—we stay in touch so you and your child never have to worry about outdated plans.

You could rely on a cheap legal site or AI tool—but let’s be real: nothing replaces a trusted advisor who truly knows your family. Let’s be the team your child can count on—now and as they grow.

Book a consultation with us today. Your child may be legally grown, but that doesn’t mean you stop protecting them. Let’s make sure they’re ready—and that you’re ready too.

This article is a service of The Ambitious Legacy Firm. We do not just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by using the link below to schedule a call with our Client Services Director, who will be able to guide you on scheduling your Legacy Planning Session.

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