09/04/2026
This summer, as we were getting my son Ethan ready to leave for college, I thought I had the checklist completely under control: dorm supplies, classes, packing, and all the typical details.
Then I tried to confirm a routine vaccine record with his doctor's office.
Because Ethan was now eighteen, they legally could not share that information with me. It made sense immediately, but it also made me pause: what else had we not prepared for?
Legally, your relationship with your child shifts overnight on their eighteenth birthday. If an emergency happens while they are away, parents do not automatically have the right to access medical information or make healthcare decisions.
We sat down with an estate planning attorney, and within a week, Ethan had his own medical power of attorney, HIPAA authorization, and durable power of attorney in place. It took two hours of our time, but it gave us complete clarity.
If you have a child turning eighteen or heading off to school this season, I encourage you to read our experience.
Read the full breakdown on The Advisor. Link is in the first comment below.