Before a child turns 18, the child’s parents may make decisions regarding the child’s health care and finances. However, once a child turns 18, parents no longer have this ability by default. Instead, the child must execute a document called a “power of attorney for health care” for parents to stay involved in the child’s health care. Similarly, the child must execute a document called a “power of attorney for property” for parents to stay involved in the child’s finances. When completing the power of attorney for health care, the child decides the order of his or her “health care agents”: the people who will make medical decisions for the child if he or she is unable to make his or her own medical decisions. This document can also dictate when an agent is authorized to see the child’s medical information and the type of care the child wishes to receive. When completing the power of attorney for property, the child also decides the order of his or her “agents:” the people who can access the child’s financial information and assist the child in managing his or her finances. When a child selects his parent as agent,...
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