Is Your Young Adult Legally Protected?
Dear Friends,
Whether your child is away at college, just starting a new job, traveling abroad, or still figuring things out—once they turn 18, everything changes in the eyes of the law. They may still rely on you emotionally and financially, but legally, they are considered independent adults. That means you, as a parent or loved one, no longer have the automatic right to access their medical records, speak to their doctors, or make financial decisions on their behalf—even in a crisis.
This can be especially alarming for families who are still very involved in their young adult’s life. Many parents assume they’ll be called upon in an emergency, but without the proper legal documents in place, you could be left on the sidelines during one of the most critical times in your child’s life.
The Baylie Grogan Case: A Cautionary Tale
Baylie Grogan’s story is a heartbreaking example of what can happen when families are unprepared. Baylie, a vibrant and healthy young adult, was involved in a sudden and devastating accident that left her severely injured and incapacitated. When her parents rushed to the hospital, they were devastated to learn that, because Baylie was legally an adult, they were not permitted access to her medical information or allowed to make decisions regarding her care.
Important time was lost navigating legal hurdles—time that could have been spent focusing solely on Baylie’s recovery. Her story highlights a sobering reality: Accidents and medical emergencies can strike without warning, and in those moments, families should be focused on care, not court proceedings. If you’d like to find out more about the case or make a donation to the Baylie’s Wish Foundation, please click here.
Why Legal Documents Matter for Young Adults
According to the CDC, the leading causes of death or disability among young adults are accidents and acts of violence. These events are unpredictable and can result in long-term consequences—or worse. Without certain legal protections in place, parents and loved ones often have no authority to:
- Speak to healthcare providers or access medical records
- Make urgent medical decisions on behalf of their child
- Access bank accounts, financial aid, or pay bills during a period of incapacity
- Manage digital assets like email accounts, social media, or cloud storage
This lack of access can not only delay crucial decisions but also lead to unnecessary legal expenses, frustration, and heartache.
The Sapling Plan: Protection for Life’s “In-Between” Stage
At Eckert Byrne LLC, we created the Sapling Plan specifically for young adults navigating this transitional phase of life—those who are unmarried, child-free, and just beginning to manage their own financial and healthcare responsibilities, often with continued support from parents.
This comprehensive plan includes:
- HIPAA Authorization: Allows parents or trusted individuals to communicate with medical providers and access medical records
- Health Care Proxy: Ensures parents or trusted individuals have authority to make medical decisions in an emergency situation
- Durable Power of Attorney: Allows someone to manage finances and sign legal documents if your young adult becomes incapacitated
- Living Will or Advance Directive: So your young adult can express their wishes about medical treatment in the event of serious illness or injury
- Last Will and Testament: Allows loved ones to oversee your probate administration and the proper distribution of assets in the event of death
With the Sapling Plan, your young adult is protected—and so are you. It gives families peace of mind and spares them from unnecessary stress and court delays during an already challenging time. Taking action now ensures that, if the unthinkable happens, you’re able to focus on what truly matters: your child’s wellbeing. These documents are straightforward to put in place and can be updated as your young adult’s life changes—such as getting married, having children, or acquiring significant assets.
Please consider sharing this message with friends, family, or anyone with a young adult in their life. To learn more or schedule a planning session, contact christina@eckertbyrne.com.
Best wishes,
Anna