When Your Child Turns 18: Legal & Financial Steps to Consider

• When a child turns 18, parents may no longer have automatic access to medical, financial, or educational records without authorization
• Legal documents such as a health care proxy, HIPAA authorization, durable power of attorney, and FERPA release can help families prepare for emergencies
• Conversations about financial responsibility, cybersecurity, privacy, and emergency planning can help young adults transition into independence with confidence

A daughter leaves for college. A son signs his first apartment lease. A young adult gets sick while away from home. In each case, parents may still be deeply involved—paying tuition, carrying health insurance, offering financial support, or serving as the first call in an emergency. But once a child turns 18, the legal relationship changes in important ways. Parents may no longer have automatic access to medical, financial, or academic information, even when they are trying to help.

That transition can catch families off guard. Turning 18 is not only a birthday milestone; it is a shift toward legal independence, privacy, and personal responsibility. With thoughtful planning, families can use this moment to support young adults as they begin making more decisions for themselves—while putting essential safeguards in place if help is ever needed.

At age 18, young adults generally gain control over many of their own decisions and records. Privacy laws and institutional policies may limit what parents can access without the young adult’s written authorization. For example, education privacy rights generally transfer from parents to students when a student turns 18 or attends a postsecondary institution. Health information is also protected, and healthcare providers may need appropriate authorization before sharing information with parents or other family members.

The goal is not to reduce a young adult’s independence. Rather, it is to prepare for situations where coordination, communication, and consent matter—especially if the young adult is away at school, living in another state, traveling, or managing new financial responsibilities.

Every family’s situation is different, and requirements may vary by state. Still, the following documents can help clarify who may receive information, assist with decisions, or step in if a young adult is unable to act on their own behalf.

Allows a young adult to name someone they trust to make medical decisions if they are unable to do so.

Gives healthcare providers permission to share certain medical information with designated people, such as parents or guardians.

Allows a trusted person to help with financial or legal matters if the young adult becomes unable to manage them independently.

Pursuant to The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, a college or university may not share certain education records with parents or other authorized individuals without an authorized release.

A simple will, beneficiary designations, and account instructions can help clarify wishes, even if the young adult has limited assets.

These tools should be framed as collaborative and consent-based. The young adult decides whom to involve and what authority to grant. Used thoughtfully, the documents can create a safety net without undermining autonomy.

Today’s young adults are managing more of their lives digitally and earlier than ever—from banking apps and payment platforms to tuition portals, insurance cards, credit products, and online medical records. That creates convenience, but it also raises the stakes for privacy, cybersecurity, and identity protection. Identity theft can affect financial accounts, credit, health benefits, and tax information—and college students may be exposed when applying for financial aid, searching for housing, starting jobs, or sharing personal information online.

At the same time, families are often navigating greater distance. A student may attend school in another state, study abroad, travel independently, or live far from home. If an emergency arises, having conversations and authorizations in place can help reduce confusion and delay.

Turning 18 is also an opportunity for young adults to build confidence and capability. Families can use this milestone to start practical conversations about what it means to manage personal information, make informed decisions, and know when to ask for help.

Know the basics: Understand health insurance coverage, prescription information, emergency contacts, and how to access medical records.

Build strong money management habits: Track spending, monitor bank accounts, understand credit, and create a realistic budget.

Protect personal information: Use strong passwords, enable multifactor authentication, avoid oversharing sensitive details, and be alert to scams.

Organize key documents: Keep IDs, insurance cards, legal forms, and account information in a secure but accessible place.

Communicate preferences: Talk with parents or trusted advisors about who should be contacted in an emergency and what support would be welcome.

Independence does not have to mean navigating every decision alone. By pairing practical documents with open conversations, families can help their children step into adulthood with greater clarity, confidence, and support. The right planning can protect privacy, preserve autonomy, and provide peace of mind when life does not go according to plan.

Explore our Wealth Planning services to help prepare for the opportunities and challenges that come with every stage of life.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not designed or intended to provide financial, tax, legal, accounting, or other professional advice since such advice always requires consideration of individual circumstances. If professional advice is needed, the services of a professional advisor should be sought.

There is no assurance that any investment, financial, or estate planning strategy will be successful.

The information in this article has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed.

Wilmington Trust is not authorized to and does not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. Our advice and recommendations provided to you are illustrative only and subject to the opinions and advice of your own attorney, tax advisor, or other professional advisor. 

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