The day your child turned 18, something important happened that most parents do not find out about until it is too late.
Under Arizona law, your child is now a legal adult. That means you no longer have the automatic right to access their medical records, make health care decisions on their behalf, speak to their college or university, or help manage their finances. This can be true, even in a life-threatening emergency. It does not matter that you pay their tuition, their phone bill, or their rent. Without specific legal documents in place, you have no authority. The good news is that this is a simple, affordable fix by establishing a basic plan. Schedule a consultation with us to get started!
The following documents take one appointment to prepare and give both you and your adult child real protection. They are not just for people with significant assets or complex situations. They are basic legal tools that every adult in Arizona should have:
Durable Financial Power of Attorney
This document names a trusted person — typically a parent — to manage financial and legal matters if your child is unable to do so. This includes banking, paying bills, handling student loan paperwork, signing contracts, and dealing with government agencies. Your child remains fully in control and can revoke this at any time. It only activates if and when it is needed.
Health Care Power of Attorney
This names someone to make medical decisions on your child’s behalf if they are incapacitated. Without this document, there is no guaranteed legal mechanism for you to step in during a medical crisis — even as their parent.
Mental Health Care Directive
This is a specialized document that allows your child to express their wishes and designate a decision-maker specifically for mental and behavioral health situations. This is especially relevant for college students, who face elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and crisis situations. Having this document in place means their wishes are honored and you can be involved if they need you.
Living Will (Advance Health Care Directive)
This allows your child to document their own wishes for medical treatment — including life-sustaining care — in the event they cannot communicate. It speaks for them when they cannot speak for themselves.
HIPAA Authorization
This is a standalone written authorization that allows medical providers to share health information with named individuals. Even with a Health Care Power of Attorney, a separate HIPAA authorization makes the process smoother and faster in urgent situations.
FERPA Authorization
If your child is enrolled in college, this release allows the school to share academic records, grades, financial aid information, and enrollment status with you. Without it, the school is legally prohibited from telling you anything.
Young Adult Estate Planning Package
Price: $450 flat fee
Includes a 30-minute Zoom consultation with a licensed Arizona attorney, as well as:
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Durable Financial Power of Attorney
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Health Care Power of Attorney
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Mental Health Care Directive
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Living Will (Advance Health Care Directive)
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HIPAA Authorization
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FERPA Authorization (if applicable)
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Attorney-supervised document signing
Note:
If a simple will is needed to address personal property, bank accounts, or digital assets, that can be discussed during your consultation and is available for an additional fee.
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