Protecting your young adult means empowering them

Young adults often believe that a power of attorney and health care proxy give away control to their parents.

In reality, a properly drafted power of attorney and health care proxy allow the young adult to choose who may act for them if assistance is needed. They remain in control and may revoke or change the documents at any time while they have capacity.

Without these documents, young adults are extremely vulnerable, and find themselves in a precarious position when crisis strikes.

Here are three real-world scenarios to illustrate how preparing before a crisis can ensure that a young adult has the support they need in an emergency:

• College athlete injured A college freshman suffers a serious injury during athletics. Because a Health Care Proxy and HIPAA Authorization are in place, parents can immediately communicate with physicians and participate in treatment decisions.

• Studying abroad A student studying overseas becomes hospitalized. Parents are able to coordinate care, communicate with providers, and assist with insurance because appropriate legal documents already exist.

• Temporary incapacity A young adult experiences a medical condition requiring several weeks of recovery. A Durable Power of Attorney allows a parent to manage banking, insurance paperwork, tuition issues, and other administrative matters while the child recovers.

The best time to plan for an emergency is well before one emerges. That means starting the process and executing the documents before your child turns 18.

Fischer Harbage is an estate and tax planning law firm built for the way people actually live today. With offices in Brooklyn and Manhattan, we serve clients throughout the tri-state area.