As your child graduates from high school, you are both thinking about the exciting future. But whether your child is off to college or some other venture, there are a few legal decisions you should make in case of an emergency. Imagine if your child ended up in a hospital and could not make decisions for himself. Of course, you’d want to step in to help. But if your child is a legal adult, age 18 or older, you will not be able to do so. In fact, you wouldn’t even be told any specifics about his condition due to HIPAA regulations.
To prevent this problem, you and your child should fill out paperwork that will enable you to help him or her in case of an emergency. There are documents you need:
These papers are often used in elder law, by adults caring for their parents. They signify that the agent has been given the power by the signee to preside over financial and medical decisions and grant access to their medical records.
In each document, your child can decide who they would like to deem responsible as their agent. This may be you. However, if your child is uncomfortable with having you in this position, he or she may choose someone else.
While you want to help your child, he or she is considered an adult at age 18. Without these legal documents, you may have no way to help. Of course, you and your child should discuss these issues and decide what is best. If you have any questions, contact us for help.
“Reggie Kelly is a fantastic attorney with fantastic paralegals. My wife and I have been using him and his firm since 1983 when we first purchased property in Harnett County 37 years ago. He offers excellent legal advice and guidance. He never gets in a hurry to get us out the door because of his next appointment. He always takes the time needed to check out all of the issues that might come up. Reggie Kelly is a proud American and he loves our country and he wants everyone to do well. Reggie Kelly is an even finer person than he is a fantastic attorney and we are very fortunate to also be able to call him and his wife Cheryl our friends. We give him a 10 STAR Review!”