Why Every Young Adult Needs a Power of Attorney (POA)
Your child turns 18. Legally, they’re now an adult—but are they protected?
Most parents don’t realize that once their child reaches legal adulthood, they can no longer access their medical records, speak to doctors, or help with finances without the proper legal documents. Whether your young adult is heading off to college, traveling abroad, or entering the workforce, having a Power of Attorney (POA) in place is essential.
At Russo Law Offices, we help Illinois families prepare for the unexpected with compassionate, practical estate planning services. One of the most overlooked (and critical) first steps is preparing Powers of Attorney for your newly minted adult.
What Happens When Your Child Turns 18?
Turning 18 may feel symbolic, but under Illinois law, it means your child is fully responsible for their own medical and financial decisions. You are no longer entitled to:
Access their medical records (due to HIPAA regulations)
Speak with doctors or insurance providers on their behalf
Handle their banking, tuition payments, or financial aid
In a crisis, this can become more than inconvenient—it can be dangerous. That’s why we recommend setting up two key documents:
The Two Powers of Attorney Every Young Adult Should Have
1. Healthcare Power of Attorney
This document allows your child to designate a trusted individual (often a parent or guardian) to make medical decisions on their behalf if they’re unconscious, injured, or unable to communicate. It also includes a HIPAA release, allowing you to access necessary health information in an emergency.
2. Durable Financial Power of Attorney
This allows your young adult to appoint someone to handle financial matters, such as paying bills, managing bank accounts, or signing lease agreements, if they’re unavailable or incapacitated.
Related: What Is a Power of Attorney and Why Do You Need One?
Real-Life Scenarios That Make These Documents a Must
Your daughter studies abroad and loses her debit card, you can’t speak to her bank.
Your son is in a car accident and unconscious in the hospital, you can’t get updates or make decisions.
Your college student is dealing with a medical emergency, and doctors can’t legally talk to you.
Learn more about Estate Planning for Families with College-Aged Children
At Russo Law Offices, we don’t offer one-size-fits-all templates. We guide families through a thoughtful process to ensure that each document accurately reflects your child’s values, preferences, and legal needs.
Our Young Adult Power of Attorney Package includes:
A Medical Power of Attorney (with HIPAA Authorization)
A Durable Financial Power of Attorney
A brief consultation with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys
Optional: A Living Will/Advance Directive
Explore our full Estate Planning Blog Library for more insights.
Ready to Protect Your Child’s Future?
Don’t wait until a crisis to realize what you’re missing. Setting up Powers of Attorney is a simple, affordable, and powerful step toward peace of mind.
Get Started Today: Download our FREE Guide to Writing a Will to learn more about your options and get started with confidence.
*The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Each individual's situation is unique, and the laws regarding estate planning can vary by jurisdiction. It is essential to consult with a qualified estate planning attorney to discuss your specific circumstances and to receive personalized legal advice. Russo Law Offices is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information contained in this post.