09/28/2026
If you have a child turning 18, here’s something you may not have thought about yet. I hadn’t given much thought to it either.
Once our kids turn 18, they are legally adults — even if they still live at home, are still in high school, and we’re still very much involved in their day-to-day lives.
That means parents no longer automatically have the same ability to access medical information or handle certain financial or legal matters for them.
There are a few simple documents families may want to consider:
• A HIPAA authorization so medical providers can share information with the people your child chooses
• A health care directive/health care agent designation so there’s clarity about who can make medical decisions if they’re ever unable to
• A durable financial Power of Attorney, if they want someone they trust to be able to handle certain financial or legal matters when needed
In Tennessee, there are protections that can allow close family members to step in for certain health care decisions when someone is unable to make decisions and hasn't named anyone. But having documents in place can make things much clearer and allows your 18-year-old to decide for themselves who they want involved.
Turning 18 comes with a lot of exciting milestones. This is just one of the less exciting — but important — things to add to the list.
I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the state of TN and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice
