Two important legal tools to get when you turn 18

So if your children are 18 years of age or older, they should seriously consider getting two important legal tools: 

(1) An Advance Health Care Directive and (2) a Durable Power of Attorney. 

Your child can designate his/her parents as his/her "agents" so they can handle financial and health care issues that may arise if your child cannot handle things due to incapacity (i.e., car accident, etc.).  If your child designates a father and mother to act, make sure it is clear if both signatures are required or if one parent has the legal authority to act unilaterally.  You also want to make sure you have access to their school (college etc) records and their health care records.  

Even though they are still your kids, once they turn 18, you have no legal right to make decisions on their behalf unless they specifically give you that right. This often comes as an unpleasant surprise to parents. Our office can help your kids get these documents in place.

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