It’s not just older adults who need to think about putting their wishes in writing. Young people are known for their risk-taking, with motorcycle riding, reckless driving, outdoor adventures, and campus antics. So it’s never too early to think about what may come if the unimaginable happens—particularly for those age 18 or older.

Why 18? At that age, a parent or guardian loses their legal right to speak with their child’s doctor, make medical decisions for them, or access their health-care records without their consent.

It’s one reason why some parents insist their family’s young adults have an Advance Health Care Directive. With an Advance Health Care Directive, a young adult can stipulate that their parent—or another adult agent they trust—can take control for them without court approval in the event that disaster strikes.

Think of it as a smart high-school graduation gift. An estate planning professional can help the whole family prepare an Advance Health Care Directive together—and lead the grown-up conversations necessary to answer the difficult questions everyone could one day face if the unthinkable happens.

About the author:

John O’Grady leads a full-service estate and trust law firm in San Francisco. His practice includes Estate Planning & Administration, Probate and Trust Litigation.