Parents with young children often hear that “the days are
long but the years are short.” However, this phrase may not
truly resonate until their children get older and experience
certain milestones. Starting college is one of these
milestones.
If you are a parent with children ages 18 or older, you and your
children should consider taking a few simple steps so that in the
event of an emergency, you can make important health care and
financial decisions, access their medical information and financial
accounts, and obtain their educational records.
Medical Information. Once your child
reaches age 18, they are deemed to be an adult by law, and you no
longer have a legal right to make health care decisions on behalf
of your child or to access your child's health care
information. As a result, if you have an adult child, your child
must execute certain legal documents naming you as their health
care agent and permitting you to access their medical
information:
