Top Estate Planning Attorney Robert Brumfield Explains Why Turning 18 Is A Legal Milestone – Bakersfield, CA

Leading estate planning lawyer of the Law Offices of Robert H. Brumfield, P.C., in Bakersfield, CA highlights that turning 18 is a crucial legal milestone for parents, as young adults gain full control over their medical and financial decisions. For more information please visit https://www.brumfieldlawgroup.com

United States, February 24, 2025 — Turning 18 in the United States is more than a symbolic passage into adulthood—it carries significant legal implications, especially from an estate planning perspective, according to Attorney Robert Brumfield of the Law Offices of Robert H. Brumfield, P.C.

For more information please visit https://www.brumfieldlawgroup.com

Brumfield explained that reaching adulthood at 18 means parents can no longer make decisions for their child or access critical information, including medical records, without proper authorization. “This milestone marks the point where a young adult gains full legal rights over their medical, financial, and educational privacy,” Brumfield noted.

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), once a child turns 18, medical providers are restricted from sharing their medical information with anyone, including parents, unless a HIPAA release is in place. Without this release, even obtaining information about whether a child received treatment can be challenging.

“A HIPAA release is essential to allow parents access to medical information, but it doesn’t grant them the authority to make decisions,” Brumfield said. To address this gap, young adults should consider naming a parent or trusted individual as their health care proxy, enabling them to make medical decisions if the individual becomes incapacitated.

Another key document is the durable power of attorney (POA), which grants parents or trusted individuals access to financial accounts and the ability to manage bills if the adult child is incapacitated or unable to handle their financial affairs. Brumfield added, “This can be particularly useful if the child is traveling or otherwise unreachable, ensuring that financial responsibilities are handled smoothly.”

Brumfield also emphasized the importance of encouraging young adults to create a basic estate plan, including decisions about asset distribution. “If a child predeceases their parents, having a plan in place ensures their wishes are honored, minimizing potential conflicts.”

Young adults should also consider including end-of-life treatment preferences in their advanced medical directives, a step that can provide clarity and peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.

“At 18, many young adults feel invincible,” Brumfield concluded. “But with thoughtful guidance from parents and collaboration with an estate planning attorney, they can take proactive steps to secure their future and make informed decisions about their health and assets.”

Source: http://RecommendedExperts.biz

Contact Info:
Name: Robert H Brumfield
Email: Send Email
Organization: Law Offices of Robert H. Brumfield, P.C.
Address: 1810 Westwind Drive, Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: 661-464-7770
Website: https://www.brumfieldlawgroup.com

Release ID: 89153731

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