My life changed in an instant in 2009 when my husband, Seth, was in an automobile accident, which left him incapacitated with a traumatic brain injury. This life-altering experience led me to start the 820 Foundation as a way to educate, inspire, and empower individuals to see end-of-life planning as a part of life. My hope is to use this tragedy to help others avoid the pitfalls of putting emergency planning on the back burner.
What You Should Have Prepared at 18
Turning 18 marks the first steps into adulthood, accompanied by excitement and celebration! It also signals the first time in your life when your parents and/or guardians are not legally and medically recognized as your emergency decision-maker in the event of a life-altering event. So, in between all the fun and anticipation, it’s a great time to sit down and figure out what you need as a newly minted adult.
A Last Will and Testament
At 18, you may not have a lot of assets to divide or dependents to ensure guardianship for, but a will ensures that your wishes are honored and carried out in the event of death. The document can also make legal and medical processes straightforward for your loved ones, knowing how you wish to proceed in certain circumstances.
A Durable Financial Power of Attorney
Again, you may not yet have a lot of financial assets, but assigning and naming a financial power of attorney guarantees that someone you trust will carry out your wishes. A financial power of attorney can manage and protect your financial wellbeing in the event of an accident, injury, or death.
A Medical Power of Attorney
Similar to the financial power of attorney, your medical power of attorney (POA) is a trusted individual responsible for carrying out your wishes in the event of medical incapacitation. Whether that is honoring a DNR (do not resuscitate) order, organ donor plans, selecting a treatment plan, or working with your healthcare providers to support your recovery, your medical power of attorney makes a lot of important decisions about your care. And as a legal adult, this responsibility does not automatically fall to your parents or loved ones, so it is important to clearly name a medical POA and share your advanced healthcare directive with them.
An Advanced Healthcare Directive (A Living Will)
An advanced healthcare directive, also known as a living will, is a document that outlines your wishes in the event you are incapable of making decisions regarding your health and care. As previously mentioned, it includes decisions on the extent of resuscitation, care, and recovery that you would approve if needed. It should be shared with your medical POA and your executors so that they can ensure your wishes are followed.
A HIPAA Release Form
Depending on your state and its privacy laws, a HIPAA release form may be necessary for medical, financial, and legal representatives to share your confidential and personal information. You can look into your state’s requirements, but in the event that you are abroad or out-of-state, it may be beneficial to have on hand.
We are not providing legal advice. All estate planning varies from state to state. Please seek an attorney in your state for specific information and details.