The summer is winding down to a close and as your child approaches their final year in school it’s hard to believe that they are, or soon will be, a legal adult at 18. This shift presents a whole new world of opportunities and challenges. Their newfound rights to vote, join the military, and autonomy over health care and finances come quickly.  

This also means that you, as a parent, no longer hold authority over discussing their medical care or making decisions if they become unable to make decisions on their own. It’s difficult to think about, but accidents happen every day in Ohio, making parents uneasy.  

To avoid any additional stress in this possible incident, it's crucial that you and your child prepare the following five essential documents as soon as they reach adulthood in Ohio. 

1. Health Care Power of Attorney
Did you know that you lack the right to make medical decisions for your adult child, at the age of 18 and older, if they're unable to? This knowledge gap often occurs when your 18-year-old is still in high school for part of the year.  

Thankfully, a valid Ohio Healthcare Power of Attorney can be the solution. This document allows your child to appoint you as their agent, granting you the authority to access their health information and make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they are unable.

2. HIPPA Authorization
Ever wondered about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and what it entails? HIPAA sets national standards for safeguarding patient healthcare information. This means your access to your child's medical information is limited once they're 18. With HIPAA authorization, your child designates parties permitted access to their healthcare information. 

3. Living Will
Though creating a living will might seem daunting, it's a conversation you must have with your adult child. A living will outlines their wishes concerning life-sustaining procedures in Ohio when faced with irreversible, incurable, and untreatable conditions or a permanently vegetative state. Discussing this ensures everyone understands their perspective and avoids complications in treatment decisions.

4. Power of Attorney 
Even as young adults embrace newfound freedom, creating a power of attorney and assigning you as an agent is wise. This legal document grants you certain rights to act on their behalf, helpful for instances like handling embassy matters while studying abroad or filing tax returns.

5. Last Will and Testament
While young adults might assume they don't need a will, it's crucial to discuss this and encourage its creation at 18. A last will and testament directs the distribution of possessions, funds, and even provides instructions for pets and social media accounts. Avoiding dying without a will ensures a smoother process for loved ones. Be sure to consider these factors for your child’s future.   

Now equipped with the knowledge of these essential documents for Ohio's 18-year-olds, why not assist your child in creating them? Connect with our office to learn how simple it is to establish these documents today! 

Questions? We Can Help. 
Although this may seem like a lot of information to take in at once, reviewing this list of important documents puts you one step closer to planning for your adult child’s future dates. Have questions or want to chat? Schedule a meeting with us. 

Michael Embrescia, is a financial advisor located at EmVision Capital Advisors, 251 W. Garfield Rd. ​Suite 155 Aurora, OH 44202. He offers securities and advisory services as an Investment Adviser Representative of Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. He can be reached at  (330) 954-3770  or at  info@emvisioncapital.com. 

This material has been provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute either tax or legal advice. Although we go to great lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult a tax preparer, professional tax advisor, or lawyer.