My Child Is Turning 18: What Oregon Parents Need to Know

Congratulations! Your child turning 18 is a huge milestone.

They can vote. They can sign contracts. They can make their own medical decisions.
They are officially an adult. But many parents are surprised to learn that this also changes what parents can legally do for them. Before your child leaves for college or goes off into the real world, it is worth discussing four important documents:

1. Medical Power of Attorney
This allows your child to choose who can make medical decisions if they are unable to make those decisions themselves. You no longer get to make those decisions if an emergency occurs and your child is incapacitated. This is why it is vital that there is a POA in place that gives you, or someone that you trust, the ability to make medical decisions if they can't.

2. HIPAA Authorization
This allows healthcare providers to share medical information with the people your child chooses.
Without it, doctors may not be able to discuss important medical information with parents or relatives even in emergency situations.

3. Financial Power of Attorney
This allows someone your child trusts to help handle financial matters if needed. The last thing you want is for your child to be hospitalized and for you to be unable to talk to their insurance or pay their rent or get into their bank accounts to make sure that their life continues while they heal.

4. Advance Directive
This allows your child to communicate their wishes about certain medical decisions in advance. This is important when having to make some of the most difficult medical decisions a parent can imagine. By having your child's wishes written down, you can know that you are making the decisions that they want.

These documents are not about parents controlling their adult children. They are about making sure your child has chosen the right people to help them if life takes an unexpected turn.

College and young adulthood is about independence—but being prepared is part of becoming an adult.
Before your child heads out into the world, make sure they have more than textbooks and a laundry basket.
Do they have the documents that protect them?

Reach out anytime we are licensed in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Nebraska, and Florida. Schedule a free consultation here or call 503-908-5457 or email Chad@AffordableEstatePNW.com