Legal Changes When Your Child Turns 18 and How to Prepare Now

18 Isn’t Just a Birthday, It’s a Legal Turning Point

For most families, the 18th birthday feels like a celebration of independence. Your child is starting a new chapter, and you’re proud of how far they’ve come. But what many parents don’t realize is that the legal changes when your child turns 18 can also create unexpected barriers.

The law now views your child as an adult, even if they still live under your roof, and even if you’re paying tuition. That shift can leave you shut out in critical moments.

What Changes at 18?

Medical Privacy Takes Over
Even if you’re covering tuition or health insurance, doctors must keep your child’s health details private unless there is a signed HIPAA release. Parents may be blocked from knowing if their child is hospitalized or in a medical emergency. A Medical Power of Attorney with HIPAA release lets you step in if your child cannot make decisions, while also ensuring you can communicate with medical providers.

Financial Access Rights Vanish
Once your child turns 18, you lose automatic access to manage tuition payments, bank accounts, or emergency bills. A Durable Financial Power of Attorney gives you the authority to act on their behalf during emergencies, ensuring tuition deadlines are met, medical bills are paid, or housing arrangements are not disrupted.

Educational Records Are Off-Limits
FERPA rules protect your child’s educational records, including grades, billing, and enrollment. Without a signed FERPA Release, colleges cannot share any information with parents, even if you are the one paying tuition.

Why This Matters (Especially at College)

Imagine this scenario:

A late-night call from campus. Your child has been rushed to the hospital. You want updates immediately, but cannot get them without a HIPAA release. You also realize you cannot pay emergency bills because you lack financial authorization, and the school will not release enrollment details because FERPA blocks access.

These barriers are not meant to exclude parents but to safeguard adult privacy rights. With the right documents, however, you can balance your child’s independence with your ability to protect them in critical situations.

The Legal Framework Every Parent Should Understand

Turning 18 flips a legal switch in multiple areas:

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): Protects private health information. Parents need HIPAA releases or medical powers of attorney to access records or speak to doctors.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): Restricts access to college records. Students must sign a FERPA waiver to allow parental access.
State Law Powers of Attorney: Each state has requirements for medical and financial powers of attorney. These documents give parents legal authority in emergencies, avoiding costly court guardianship proceedings.

Understanding these frameworks ensures parents know exactly why they lose rights at 18 and how to restore them legally.

Practical Steps Parents Can Take Now

Preparing before your child leaves for college or adulthood is essential. Recommended steps include:

Discuss the Importance of Legal Documents: Explain why signing HIPAA, FERPA, and Power of Attorney forms protects them, not just you.
Create a Medical Power of Attorney and HIPAA Release: Ensures you can speak with doctors and make urgent medical decisions.
Set Up a Durable Financial Power of Attorney: Provides authority for financial and legal tasks during emergencies.
Sign a FERPA Release: Keeps you informed about academic and tuition matters.
Consider a Simple Will: Helps organize assets and guardianship of siblings, where applicable, while fostering responsibility.

By having these documents in place, parents and children avoid delays and complications during emergencies.

Conclusion: Preparation Is Protection

Eighteen is a turning point, not a cutoff. With the right legal tools, you can support your child without undermining their independence.

At Qazi Law, we recognize the importance of this transition. That is why we are offering a Back-to-School Legal Protection Package at $499 (regularly $750), available until September 15, 2025. This package gives you the peace of mind you deserve and ensures your child has the safety net they need before campus life takes hold.

Call 630-504-0648 or schedule a confidential consultation with Attorney Farrah.