Kendall and Bexar County Estate Planning
Texas Estate Planning Blog
Shawn McCammon is the founder and managing shareholder of McCammon Law. Shawn has been practicing for over 20 years, starting off in litigation before working in-house as a corporate attorney, and finally opening his own firm in 2009.
Parents spend years making medical, financial, and educational decisions for their children. Then, when a child turns 18, Texas law treats them as a legal adult almost immediately.
That change affects more than voting rights or signing contracts. Parents may no longer have automatic access to medical records, financial information, or healthcare decisions during an emergency. Many families in Boerne and throughout Texas do not realize this until a stressful situation happens.
Even if your child still lives at home or depends on you financially, legal authority changes once they become an adult.
Privacy laws can prevent hospitals, doctors, schools, and financial institutions from sharing information without written permission. This can create confusion during emergencies when quick decisions matter most.
Without proper planning, parents may face delays when trying to:
For many families in Boerne, Texas, these risks are easy to overlook until a real problem occurs.
A few basic estate planning documents can help families avoid unnecessary stress and uncertainty. These tools allow young adults to choose who can help them if they become temporarily unable to handle important decisions on their own.
The right documents depend on your family’s situation, your child’s level of independence, and whether they are heading to college, traveling, or beginning a career.
A medical power of attorney allows your adult child to appoint someone they trust to make healthcare decisions if they cannot communicate their wishes.
This document may help parents step in during serious medical situations without unnecessary delays or confusion.
Without written authority, healthcare providers may limit what they can discuss with family members.
HIPAA is the federal law that protects medical privacy.
A HIPAA authorization gives doctors and hospitals permission to share medical information with approved individuals. Even responsible young adults often overlook how important this document can be.
Imagine your child is hospitalized while attending college in another Texas city. Without a signed HIPAA release, you may struggle to receive updates or speak directly with medical providers.
Young adults may already have checking accounts, credit cards, apartment leases, car loans, or investment accounts.
A financial power of attorney allows someone to help manage financial matters if your child becomes temporarily unable to do so.
This authority may include:
Even young adults may own property, vehicles, savings accounts, or sentimental personal items.
A basic will helps clarify who should receive those assets if something unexpected happens.
Without a will, Texas intestacy laws determine how property passes to heirs. That process can create unnecessary legal complications for grieving families.
Families often assume estate planning is only for retirees or wealthy individuals. In reality, young adults can benefit from having a few important documents in place before an emergency happens.
This checklist can help parents and young adults stay organized.
✔ Sign a medical power of attorney
✔ Complete a HIPAA authorization form
✔ Create a financial power of attorney
✔ Review beneficiary designations on financial accounts
✔ Prepare a simple will
✔ Store documents in an accessible location
✔ Share emergency contact information
✔ Update documents after major life changes
For many families in Boerne, this type of planning becomes especially important before college move-ins, extended travel, or starting a first job.
Texas families often value independence, privacy, and staying in control of personal decisions. Yet many parents are surprised to learn how limited their authority becomes after a child turns 18.
These documents are not only for worst-case scenarios. They can also help with practical day-to-day situations involving travel, temporary illness, or financial management.
For business owners, planning may be even more important. If your child works in a family business or has access to important financial information, clear legal authority can help avoid disruptions during emergencies.
Working with an estate planning attorney in Boerne, TX may help families create documents that reflect their goals while complying with Texas law.
Many families understand the importance of planning after a crisis occurs. Unfortunately, waiting too long can create avoidable stress and confusion during already difficult situations.
A few common mistakes often leave parents unprepared when they need to help their adult child the most.
Medical emergencies and accidents rarely happen at convenient times.
Preparing these documents ahead of time can help families respond more quickly and avoid rushed legal decisions.
Many parents believe they automatically retain decision-making rights after their child turns 18.
In most cases, they do not.
Without signed legal documents, hospitals and financial institutions may refuse to share information or allow access.
Online templates may not fully comply with Texas law or address your family’s unique circumstances.
A personalized plan can help reduce confusion and ensure documents work properly when needed.
At McCammon Law, P.C., we work with families throughout Boerne, San Antonio, and nearby Texas communities to create practical estate planning solutions for every stage of life.
When a child turns 18, even simple legal documents can make a meaningful difference during emergencies or unexpected events. Reviewing these documents early may help your family avoid unnecessary delays, confusion, and legal complications later.
If you have questions about planning for a young adult, speaking with an estate planning attorney in Boerne, TX may help you better understand your options. Request a consultation today.
References: NJ Family (Oct. 6, 2021) “What You Need to Know (Legally and Medically) On Your Teen’s 18th Birthday.” and CNBC (Jan. 3, 2026) “Estate planning helps ‘forestall bad outcomes,’ author says — you need some key documents even at age 18”
Boerne/San Antonio Office
602 Frey Street,
Boerne, TX 78006
Office Hours
Mon-Thu: 8:30am-5:00pm CT
Friday: by appointment only
closed during lunch at 12:30pm-1:30pm
