If you’re the parent of a high school senior or college-bound teen, you’re probably juggling a long list: course registration, dorm shopping, meal plans, and tuition payments. But there’s one important item that rarely makes it onto the checklist—and it should.
As a parent myself, I know how surreal it is when your child turns 18. Legally, everything changes overnight—even though they still ask you what button to push on the microwave or money to go out with friends. If your teen is heading to college, here’s what you need to put in place before they go.
Legal documents that allow you to step in if your child has a medical emergency.
Once your child turns 18, they become a legal adult. That means you, as a parent, no longer have the automatic right to access their medical records, speak to doctors, or make health care decisions on their behalf—even if they’re still living at home, on your insurance, and calling you for laundry tips.
If your child is in an accident or becomes seriously ill, you may find yourself blocked from helping—unless you’ve prepared a few simple documents in advance.
That’s why we recommend that families with college-bound or newly 18-year-old children take time to put a basic legal plan in place before graduation or move-in day.
Here Are 3 Essential Documents Every 18-Year-Old Should Have
1. Health Care Surrogate Designation
In Florida, this document allows your child to name someone—usually a parent or trusted adult—to make medical decisions on their behalf if they’re unable to speak for themselves. If they’re in surgery, unconscious, or facing a mental health crisis, the person named in this document can step in and guide their care.
2. HIPAA Authorization
HIPAA laws protect your child’s privacy, but they can also prevent medical providers from sharing critical health information with you. A signed HIPAA authorization ensures that doctors and hospitals are legally allowed to keep you informed and answer your questions in the event of a medical issue.
3. Living Will
A living will outlines your child’s preferences for life-sustaining care in the event of a serious illness or injury. While this may feel like a heavy topic for an 18-year-old, it gives them the opportunity to express their values—and gives you peace of mind knowing their wishes are clear.
Why These Documents Matter—Even for Healthy Teens
Most 18-year-olds are healthy, active, and eager to embrace independence. But college life comes with new risks—travel, sports, social life, and simply being far from home. Even routine surgeries or sudden illnesses can turn complicated without the right legal protections in place.
Creating these documents ahead of time ensures that if your child ever needs help, you’ll be able to provide it—without unnecessary legal obstacles or delays.
Free Legal Documents for Your Teen
At Staab Law, we believe in helping families plan for all of life’s transitions—and we know how significant this step into adulthood can be.
That’s why we offer a free Health Care Surrogate designation, HIPAA Release and Living Will for your college-age child when you schedule an initial estate planning consultation for yourself.
No extra meeting. No hidden fees. Just an opportunity to protect your child while taking care of your own planning, too.
Optional Add-Ons for College-Aged Adults
While the three documents above are the must-haves, some families choose to go a step further by adding additional legal protections for their young adult:
- Durable Power of Attorney
This document allows your child to authorize someone (usually a parent) to manage their financial and legal affairs if needed—like handling bank accounts, paying bills, or signing a lease if they’re unavailable due to illness or travel. - Basic Last Will and Testament
If your child has personal property, savings, or digital assets, a simple will ensures those assets are distributed according to their wishes. It’s also a great introduction to personal responsibility and the value of planning ahead.
We can help you decide whether these additional documents are a good fit based on your family’s goals and your child’s individual situation.
How to Get Started?
If you’re scheduling an initial estate planning consultation for yourself, we’ll provide your college-age child’s Health Care Surrogate, HIPAA Release and Living Will—completely free of charge.
There’s no separate appointment needed. These documents are simply included as part of your own planning process, giving your child essential protections and giving you peace of mind.
Whether your teen is heading to college, taking a gap year, or just turning 18, this is one of the most thoughtful and practical things you can do for them—and for yourself.
Final Thoughts for Parents
Watching your child step into adulthood is emotional and exciting. And while you can’t control everything, you can make sure they’re protected—and that you’re empowered to help them if they ever need you.
These documents aren’t about being overbearing—they’re about being prepared. A little bit of planning now can make a huge difference later. We’re happy to provide them for free when you schedule your own estate planning consultation.