In Louisiana, summer means longer days, hotter temperatures, standing in line at your favorite snowball stand —and for many families, high school graduation. As students prepare to head off to college, begin jobs, or start new chapters of adulthood, now is the perfect time to check an important legal task off the list: getting their basic estate planning documents in place.
Most parents don’t think about estate planning when their child turns 18. But under Louisiana law, once a child becomes a legal adult, parents no longer have the automatic right to access their health records, make medical decisions, or handle financial matters on their behalf. That’s why every young adult in Louisiana should consider putting a few simple legal documents in place—especially before leaving home.
What Should Be in a Young Adult’s Estate Plan?
While full estate plans with Wills and Trusts are more common for older adults, every 18-year-old in Louisiana should at least have the following:
- Healthcare Power of Attorney – Names someone (usually a parent) to make medical decisions if the young adult becomes incapacitated.
- HIPAA Authorization – Allows doctors to share health information with the named person.
- Living Will (Advance Directive) – States the young adult’s wishes about life-sustaining treatment in end-of-life situations.
- Property Power of Attorney (Financial POA) – Authorizes someone to manage financial or legal matters, such as banking, taxes, or handling a lease or car sale.
These documents are just as important for young adults attending LSU or Tulane as they are for those entering the workforce or traveling. If something unexpected happens—an accident, surgery, or hospital stay—having these legal tools in place avoids stress, confusion, and unnecessary red tape for families.
Why This Matters in Louisiana
Louisiana law is unique in many ways, especially when it comes to succession (our version of probate) and property rights. Even if a young adult doesn’t own much, any bank account, car, or job-related income could fall into legal limbo if something happens and there’s no one legally authorized to step in.
Many Louisiana estate planning attorneys, including our team at Morrison Law Group, offer a “Young Adult Essentials” package just for this purpose. It’s a thoughtful graduation gift that brings peace of mind—for both parents and their children.
How to Talk to Your Teen or Young Adult About It
Let’s be honest—most 18-year-olds aren’t thinking about estate planning. They’re focused on dorm shopping, class schedules, and summer fun. But parents can guide the conversation. Explain that these documents don’t give you control over everything—they simply make sure someone they trust can step in during an emergency.
If your child is concerned about privacy or independence, ask your attorney about adding limits to the documents. For example, a springing power of attorney only becomes effective if your child is incapacitated, while an immediate POA allows more flexibility if your child wants help managing things from afar.
Final Thoughts
Turning 18 is a major milestone, especially here in Louisiana where legal adulthood brings important rights—and responsibilities. Setting up basic legal documents is a smart way to step into adulthood with confidence and clarity.
If you have a child who’s recently turned 18 or is preparing to leave home, contact Morrison Law Group to schedule a Young Adult Essentials appointment. We’ll walk you through every step.
Ready to protect your young adult before they head out on their own? Call us today at (504) 831-2348 to learn more about our Young Adult Essentials package.
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