This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. I only share resources I’ve personally used and trust.
My twins just celebrated their 18th birthday, and while we're celebrating with cake, candles, and college countdowns, I’ve also found myself facing a surprising new reality: once they’re legally adults, things change.
As parents, we spend years making decisions, signing forms, and advocating for our kids, but once they turn 18, we no longer have automatic access to their medical, financial, or academic information. It’s a big shift. And if your student is heading off to college soon, now is the time to make sure you’re prepared.
✅ 1. Register to Vote
Turning 18 means your teen is now eligible to vote! Help them register and understand deadlines based on where they’ll be living (at home or on campus). If they'll be away during an election, look into absentee voting or mail-in ballots.
Helpful link: Vote.org
✅ 2. Selective Service Registration (for males)
If you have a son, federal law requires that he register for the Selective Service within 30 days of turning 18. It’s quick, but it’s important. Failure to register can impact eligibility for federal student aid and government jobs.
More info: www.sss.gov
✅ 3. Health Care Power of Attorney & HIPAA Release
When your child turns 18, they are legally considered an adult which means you no longer have the automatic right to access their medical information or make decisions on their behalf, even in an emergency.
-
Health Care Power of Attorney (POA): This legal document allows your child to name someone they trust (like a parent) to make medical decisions if they’re ever unable to do so themselves (such as during a serious illness or accident).
-
HIPAA Release: This form gives doctors and hospitals permission to share medical information with the person your child designates. Unlike the POA, it can be used even when your child is capable of making their own decisions, but still wants you to be informed.
Having both documents in place ensures you can step in and support your child during a medical emergency or simply stay in the loop with important health information without running into privacy roadblocks.
✅ 4. Financial Power of Attorney
Once your child turns 18, you also lose access to their financial accounts unless they've given you permission through a legal document.
A Financial Power of Attorney allows your child to authorize you (or another trusted adult) to handle financial matters on their behalf. This can include things like managing bank accounts, paying tuition, signing lease agreements, or dealing with unexpected issues while they’re studying abroad or away at school.
Most families choose a Durable Power of Attorney, which stays in effect even if the student becomes incapacitated.
It’s a simple but powerful tool that can save time and stress if your child needs help managing adult responsibilities.
✅ 5. FERPA Waiver
FERPA - the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act - protects a student’s education records once they turn 18 or start college. That means colleges are legally prohibited from sharing grades, transcripts, class schedules, or billing information with parents without the student’s written permission.
A FERPA Waiver is the form your student can sign to allow you access to their educational records. It doesn’t give you control over decisions, but it does allow the school to keep you in the loop on academic progress, tuition payments, and more.
Every college handles this process a little differently, so check your student’s school portal or contact the registrar’s office to complete the appropriate form.
💻 Make It Easy with MamaBear Legal Forms
Yes, you can find many of these forms online or through your state’s legal resources. But for me, having everything in one place - professionally drafted, legally valid in all 50 states, and quick to complete (plus there's an app!) was a no-brainer.
I used MamaBear Legal Forms to take care of everything for both of my kids in one sitting.
Their Young Adult Power of Attorney Package includes:
✔️ Health Care Power of Attorney
✔️ HIPAA Authorization
✔️ Financial Power of Attorney
Everything is attorney-drafted, easy to understand, and ready to download and sign. For me, the peace of mind and convenience were well worth it.
🎉 Click here to check it out with my affiliate link and use Promo Code CP101 at checkout to save!
Final Thoughts
This season is full of change - for us and our teens! Taking care of these “grown-up” documents doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it’s a great way to open the door to bigger conversations about independence, responsibility, and what’s ahead.
Your child may technically be an adult now, but you’ll always be their biggest supporter. Having the right legal tools in place helps you continue doing just that.