First things first—congratulations! Whether you or your child just walked across that graduation stage and grabbed a high school diploma, this is a huge milestone. The whole family deserves a high five. Graduation marks not just the end of one chapter, but the exciting beginning of adulthood. Whether college, work, travel, or service is next, one thing is certain:
You’re now legally an adult!
That means freedom, independence… and a few adult responsibilities, too. One of the most important—though often overlooked—is basic estate planning. No, we’re not talking about big inheritances or complicated trusts. We’re talking about a few essential legal documents every new adult should have in place—especially Medical Advance Directives.
Why Estate Planning Matters When You Turn 18
Here’s a quick reality check: once someone turns 18, parents or guardians no longer have the automatic legal right to make medical or financial decisions on their behalf. That includes things like:
- Getting updates from doctors in an emergency
- Making healthcare decisions if incapacitated
- Handling financial matters during a crisis
If you’re a parent, this can be a scary surprise. And if you’re a graduate, it’s easy to assume nothing bad will happen—but life is unpredictable. That’s where a few simple legal documents come in.
The 3 Essential Types of Documents for Every New Adult
- Medical Advance Directives
This is the big one. Medical advance directives allow a young adult to legally name someone (usually a parent or trusted adult) to make healthcare decisions if they’re unable to do so. The documents often included in medical advance directives are:
- Designation Health Care Surrogate
- Living Will
- HIPAA Authorization
Without these, doctors may not legally be allowed to involve the young adult’s preferred person in critical decisions during a medical emergency.
- Durable Power of Attorney
This document allows someone you trust (again, often a parent or other trusted adult) to handle financial and legal matters if you’re unable to—for example, managing a bank account, dealing with a landlord, or signing important documents while you’re away or incapacitated. If you own any assets, like a bank account or car, a Durable Power of Attorney is an important document to have.
- Last Will and Testament
While most young adults don’t have large estates, a simple Will can still be important. It outlines who should receive your belongings, bank account balances, or digital assets like social media accounts and photos. It also lets you name someone you trust to handle things if the unthinkable happens.
A Gift That Gives Peace of Mind
Parents, helping your graduate put these documents in place is a thoughtful gift as your child steps into adulthood. It’s also a gift for the whole family giving peace of mind knowing that in an emergency, your graduate’s trusted people can legally be allowed to step in and make decisions without added legal hurdles.
And good news: setting these up is easier and more affordable than most people think. Many law offices (ours included!) offer special packages for young adults and can have everything in place quickly—usually in a couple of meetings.
Final Thoughts
Graduating high school is a major accomplishment. As your family celebrates, don’t overlook this simple but powerful act of preparation. Medical Advance Directives and a basic estate plan are more than legal paperwork—they’re a way for you as a young adult to take ownership of your new independence while staying connected to the people who love and support you.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule a short, friendly planning session—no stress, no pressure, just smart adulting from day one.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. If you need legal assistance, please consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Any state-specific information in this article is based on Florida law at the time this article was written.