Why Your New Graduate Needs a Will, Power of Attorney, and Advance Medical Directive
Graduation season brings pride, excitement, and new beginnings. Whether your child is heading to college, entering the workforce, joining the military, pursuing a trade, or taking a gap year, one thing is certain: once they turn 18, they are legally an adult.
As parents, that shift can be surprising—because it also means you no longer have automatic authority to access their medical information or help manage their affairs in an emergency. Without appropriate legal documents in place, even something as simple as talking to their doctor or helping with a bank account can become a legal headache.
That is why every high school graduate over the age of 18 should have these three essential legal documents:
A Will
A Financial Power of Attorney
An Advance Medical Directive (or Healthcare Power of Attorney)
Here is what each one does—and why they matter for your young adult.
1. They Are Legal Adults Now
At 18, your child is legally responsible for their own medical care, finances, and decision-making. That means:
Healthcare providers cannot share information with you without your child's written consent—even in an emergency.
You cannot sign legal documents or access accounts on their behalf.
Financial institutions, educational institutions, and hospitals may require court involvement if no power of attorney is in place.
These documents are the solution. They allow your child to give a trusted adult of their choosing the legal ability to step in and help when it matters most.
2. Medical Emergencies Can Happen to Anyone
No parent wants to imagine their child in an emergency situation—but accidents, illnesses, and unexpected hospitalizations do happen. A properly executed Advance Medical Directive allows your child to:
Name a trusted adult to make medical decisions if they are unable to speak for themselves.
Express their preferences about life-sustaining treatments and organ donation.
Avoid delays in care and reduce confusion during stressful moments.
Having this document in place ensures that their voice—and your support—can be present when it counts most.
3. A Power of Attorney Helps Beyond Health Emergencies
A Financial Power of Attorney allows someone your child trusts to manage financial and legal matters on their behalf. This can include:
Paying bills
Handling student loans or banking issues
Managing a lease or car title
Accessing digital accounts
Navigating unexpected legal or logistical needs while they are away at school or traveling
It is a flexible, protective tool that ensures their financial affairs are in trusted hands when needed.
4. Even Young Adults Can Benefit From a Will
While most young adults do not have extensive assets, they still have property, accounts, and digital assets that should be accounted for. A Simple Will gives your child the opportunity to:
Choose who should inherit their personal belongings
Name someone to manage their estate
Reduce stress for their loved ones during an already difficult time
It is a practical, thoughtful way to introduce them to responsible adulthood.
Planning Is a Smart Step Toward Independence
Helping your child complete these documents does not mean you expect the worst—it means you are giving them a strong legal foundation as they step into adulthood. For many families, this is also their graduate’s first interaction with an attorney, and it is a great opportunity to demystify the legal process in a simple, supportive way.
At Zadjura Family Law LLC, we make the experience seamless for both parents and new graduates.
📞 Have questions about getting started? Call us at 410-562-9335 or email Jessica at jessica@zadjurafamilylaw.com.
