Short answerEvery adult, including an 18-year-old college student, should have at least an advance health care directive (with HIPAA authorization) and a durable power of attorney naming a trusted person — often a parent — to make medical and financial decisions if they cannot. A simple will is also worth considering.
Many young adults think they are too young and too healthy to think about estate planning. But once a person turns eighteen, parents lose the legal ability to make decisions for them, or even to obtain basic information from doctors.
The essentials
- Advance health care directive and HIPAA authorization
- Durable power of attorney for finances
- A simple will stating who inherits, rather than leaving it to California’s intestacy rules
These documents are a natural addition when parents create or update their own estate plan.
Common questions
My child is going to college out of state. Are California documents valid?
Many states honor documents valid where signed, but practices vary. We can discuss options for students attending school elsewhere.
General information about California law, not legal advice. Laws and dollar thresholds change; confirm current rules for your situation.