Turning 18 marks a major milestone. It comes with new rights, responsibilities, and legal independence. From managing finances to making medical decisions, young adults are suddenly expected to handle matters on their own.
At Casey Lundregan Burns, P.C., we have spent more than 90 years helping Massachusetts families handle these transitions with confidence. In this article, we outline the key legal documents every young adult should have in place to protect their health, finances, and future. Our goal is to help you prepare for this new chapter with clarity and peace of mind. The information in this post is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for the particularized advice of counsel. For more information, please consult an attorney.
Why 18 is a Legal Turning Point
Reaching 18 brings a stack of rights and duties. You can sign contracts, vote, and serve on a jury, but parents lose automatic access to their medical files and bank balances. Hospitals must follow privacy laws, and schools shield records unless told otherwise.
If a crisis strikes and no documents are in place, loved ones may need court approval before doctors or financial institutions will even talk with them. That delay can turn a simple problem into a costly ordeal.
Key Legal Documents Every 18-Year-Old in Massachusetts Needs
The following forms give trusted people the legal keys they need to act during an emergency or even a semester abroad. Tackling them now avoids frantic phone calls later.
Healthcare Proxy
A healthcare proxy lets you name an agent to speak with doctors if you cannot. Without it, medical staff may turn away parents or spouses because state law puts decision-making in the hands of the appointed agent, not the family by default.
Signing one takes minutes, usually with two adult witnesses. Keep a copy on your phone and share one with your primary doctor.
HIPAA Authorization
Federal privacy rules block access to medical records unless the patient signs a HIPAA release. A brief form tells hospitals and physicians whom they may update about conditions, test results, or even admission status.
Massachusetts layers extra privacy for mental health and certain infectious disease data, so the release should note those areas as well. Without the document, parents might be left guessing whether their child is in surgery or resting in a dorm.
Durable Power of Attorney
This form appoints an agent to handle banking, leases, tax filings, and other money matters. The word “durable” means the power survives incapacity.
Massachusetts repealed Chapter 201B in 2009, so any power of attorney drafted before July 1, 2009, that cites that chapter is no longer valid. Fresh paperwork avoids rejection by banks.
Typical tasks an agent may perform include:
- Paying rent or tuition while the student studies abroad
- Handling insurance claims after a car accident
- Signing a summer sublease when the student is out of state
FERPA Waiver (If Applicable)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act shields college grades, billing statements, and discipline files. A FERPA waiver tells the registrar that parents may see transcripts or discuss financial aid.
Schools may call home without the waiver if safety is at stake, yet they are not required to. Signing the form spares last-minute stress at course-selection time.
Additional Considerations for a Complete Young Adult Estate Plan
Once the core documents are signed, consider rounding out the file with a few extras that speak to personal wishes and modern life.
Living Will (Advance Directive)
A living will records choices about life support, resuscitation, and organ donation. It guides the health care agent, easing pressure on loved ones during a difficult moment.
Personal Property Memorandum
This simple list directs who receives sentimental items such as guitars, gaming consoles, or a first set of tools. It prevents misunderstandings among siblings and friends.
Digital Asset Planning
Online photos, social media profiles, and cryptocurrency wallets often sit behind passwords that no one else knows. A digital asset plan names a trusted person to manage or close those accounts.
Here are a few online spots many students forget about:
- Cloud storage holding class projects.
- Trading apps with small investment balances.
- Email addresses are tied to two-factor authentication codes.
Documents Table
The chart below shows who can act with each form and what could happen without it.
| Document | Purpose | Main Agent | Risk of Missing |
| Healthcare Proxy | Medical decision-making when the patient lacks capacity | Health care agent | A court petition for guardianship may be required |
| HIPAA Authorization | Access to health information | Named recipients | No updates on condition or treatment |
| Durable Power of Attorney | Financial and legal actions | Financial agent | Need for costly conservatorship filing |
| FERPA Waiver | Access to college records | Parents or guardians | No right to view grades or billing |
| Living Will | End-of-life treatment wishes | Guide for health care agent | The family left to guess at preferences |
Reviewing and Updating Your Estate Plan
Life moves quickly after high school. New jobs, marriages, or moves across state lines can all affect the usefulness of these documents.
A good rule of thumb is to pull the folder out every few years or after what professionals call the “big events,” such as marriage or a major purchase. If names, addresses, or goals have changed, fresh signatures will keep the plan current.
Start the Right Legal Foundation for Your Young Adult
For three generations, Casey Lundregan Burns, P.C., has helped families prepare documents that matter—especially when young adults turn 18. We draft health care proxies, powers of attorney, and other essentials that the local detail hospitals and banks recognize. If you would like to schedule a signing or ask questions, call 978-878-3519 or visit our Contact Us page. A short meeting can bring lasting peace of mind as your young adult begins college, travel, or work.