Back-to-School and Young Adult Planning: A Parent’s Guide to Legal Readiness
As summer winds down and the back-to-school season ramps up, many families are preparing to send their children off to college—some for the very first time. It’s a time filled with excitement, change, and, for parents, a fair amount of reflection.
While the focus may be on course schedules, supplies, and financial aid, there’s another important step families should consider: making sure estate planning documents are in place for young adults and setting up the right financial tools to support their future.
When Your Child Turns 18, Legal Planning Matters
Turning 18 is a major legal milestone. Your child may still be living under your roof or depending on you financially, but under the law, they are now considered an adult. That means you no longer have automatic access to their medical records, nor can you make financial or healthcare decisions for them without explicit permission.
If your child is heading to college or traveling away from home, having a few foundational documents in place can help you support them in case of an emergency.
1. Health Care Power of Attorney
This document allows your young adult to name someone—usually a parent—to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to communicate due to illness or injury. Without it, you may face delays or barriers when trying to assist them during a medical emergency.
2. HIPAA Authorization
Under federal law, healthcare providers can’t share your child’s medical information with you once they turn 18 unless they’ve signed a HIPAA release. This simple form ensures you can speak with doctors and access medical records if needed.
3. Durable Power of Attorney
This allows a parent or trusted adult to act on your child’s behalf for financial and legal matters—paying bills, managing a bank account, or speaking with a landlord, for example. It can be especially helpful if your child is studying abroad or experiencing an unexpected event that leaves them temporarily unable to manage their own affairs.
These documents provide peace of mind for both you and your child, ensuring that you're legally allowed to step in if needed.
Estate Planning for Families with College-Aged Kids
If you’ve already created an estate plan, now is a great time to review and update it. Your child turning 18 or heading to college is a major life milestone that may shift how you think about your legacy and responsibilities.
Some key questions to consider:
Do your existing documents reflect your current family structure and financial situation?
Have you named guardians for any minor children still at home?
Does your plan address the financial needs of college-bound children, including tuition and housing costs?
Are beneficiary designations on life insurance or retirement accounts up to date?
Even if your child is legally an adult, your estate plan can still offer guidance and structure to support them during their transition to independence.
Supporting Education with 529 Plans and Other Tools
Planning for college isn’t just about choosing the right school—it’s also about funding it. Many families choose 529 savings plans, which are among the most popular and flexible tools for education funding.
What Is a 529 Plan?
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account specifically for education-related expenses. Contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified education expenses—such as tuition, books, or room and board—are also tax-free.
Some additional benefits:
You can change beneficiaries (useful if one child doesn’t use all the funds).
It’s possible to roll unused funds into a Roth IRA under new federal rules (within limits).
Grandparents or other relatives can also contribute.
Other options to consider include:
UTMA/UGMA accounts: These custodial accounts can be used for a variety of expenses, though they lack the same tax advantages as a 529.
Education trusts: For families with complex estates or specific intentions about how money should be used, a trust may offer more control and flexibility.
If you’re managing both estate planning and college planning, working with an estate attorney in coordination with your financial advisor can ensure all pieces fit together.
Peace of Mind for a New Chapter
Sending a child off to college is one of the biggest transitions in a parent’s life. While you're helping them gain independence, you’re also laying the groundwork to support them when it matters most. Having the right legal documents and financial tools in place allows your family to navigate the unexpected with less stress and more clarity.
At Woodinville Law, we help families prepare for every stage of life—from creating healthcare directives for young adults to establishing long-term education and inheritance strategies. Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing plan, we’re here to help you protect what matters most.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step in securing your family’s future—at home, at school, and beyond.
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice regarding your specific legal situation, please consult a qualified attorney. The law is subject to change, and the accuracy of the information may vary over time.