It is a rite of passage for both parents and their children when children turn eighteen (18). All must learn how to prepare these young individuals for their new legal obligations as adult residents of the state of Florida.
As a child approaches eighteen, preparing them for the responsibilities of adulthood often is a top priority. While the transition from child to young adult does not have to be overwhelming, the said individual might need a basic understanding of their rights and privileges. As a parent or guardian, a Florida resident may instruct their child how to enter into a contract, file taxes, and tackle other responsibilities. The learning process takes a while, so consider easing the child into this new phase of life so they can become more confident in their knowledge, understanding, and abilities. This article will briefly outline some of the rights and responsibilities of 18-year-olds and estate planning, moving out of the home, healthcare, taxation, and other legal issues facing young adults.
Although a sizeable number of parents continue to support young adults for what appears a long time, an 18-year-old has the right to move out on their own and take care of all their own needs. This new freedom includes responsibilities such as managing finances, medical insurance, housing needs, and food. They now have the right to vote, and they might be drafted into the military. Also, the newly minted young adult does not have the same legal protections they did as a child and would be treated as an adult if they commit a crime.
Communication throughout a child’s teenage years is always helpful when preparing them for adulthood. It is a beneficial idea to explain to a young adult that any contract they sign is binding, and they can get into legal trouble if they do not adhere to the contract’s terms. This includes signing for a new credit card, cell phone, or apartment, among others.
It is easy for young adults to become overwhelmed with their new responsibilities. Although they are not required to learn everything overnight, modeling responsible adult behavior and practicing with various contract types is never a bad idea.
Housing and Rental Agreements
Even if a young adult is not moving out for a period, discussing roommate arrangements or Cohabitation Agreements can be beneficial. As a teaching tool, a Florida parent might have their young adult sign a Cohabitation Agreement with them so they can better understand the responsibilities they could face once they move out of their parents’ house and in with someone else. Roommate Agreements and Pre-Rental Inspection Checklists are also forms they may encounter during the moving-out process. If they already have moved out to an apartment, for instance, they may need to learn how to file a Complaint to Landlord form.
Transportation and Work
Purchasing a used automobile may be something they will need to do as they mature. Take time to explain the challenges, risks, and legal implications of purchasing a used motor vehicle and provide tips, advice, and tools they can use when it comes to evaluating any potential used auto, they may consider buying. In addition, if a young adult is working, it is a good idea that they know the difference between being an employee and an independent contractor and how income taxes are filed in each of these situations or categories.
Preparing young adults for the business world means something different for everyone. For the young adults who plan to continue their education or become a part of the workforce, parents can discuss with them what employers might find valuable.
For young entrepreneurs, learning about the business world may require going to school, getting firsthand experience, or both. If a young entrepreneur is eager to get started early, a parent may wish to look over their network to see if they can make an introduction to someone who works in the industry they want to enter. If a young entrepreneur has it all planned out, they may just need access to the right legal and business services to get their start.
Estate Planning
Once a child is eighteen, they may consider creating or modifying a Living Will or a Last Will & Testament. What is more, a parent may wish to discuss the importance of having another adult in their life whom they trust to watch over their medical care and bank accounts should they become hurt or ill. It is likely that a young adult still wants their parents involved in their medical care, especially in the event of an emergency.
If an adult child does not have a significant other, they might wish to appoint someone who can manage decisions for them if they are incapacitated. The following documents can make it easier for a parent to provide that protection and guidance:
- HIPPA Authorization Form: This allows a young adult’s treatment providers to discuss medical issues.
- Durable Power of Attorney: Appoints someone to look after their finances if they cannot do it themselves.
- Medical Power of Attorney: Allows an adult child to appoint an individual who can speak with doctors on their behalf. This instrument could be considered a vital document for parents of young adults, especially if they still live at home.
- Advanced Directives: Outlines what a young adult wants to happen if they are terminally ill and unable to speak on their own behalf.
A Florida parent may want to consider a FERPA release, which is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, allowing the parent and their child, who is now a young adult, protection against what educational information is released. A FERPA release helps to protect certain educational information and can allow the parent to communicate with their young adult’s school. Most colleges and universities offer FERPA release forms to students who want to sign one.
Speaking with one’s adult child about their estate plan in simple terms is vital. They should know the locations of the Last Will & Testament and the Advanced Directives or Durable Power of Attorney forms. A parent does not have to share their entire estate plan the day their child becomes an adult, but one might consider informing them about where the paperwork is kept.
It may be beneficial to discuss with one’s child about their personal Advanced Directives and Durable Power of Attorney choices when they work with them on their own forms. A parent could share the name of the attorney holding their will, as well as their phone number. It is advisable to inform the young adult about the personal representative or executor named in the Last Will and who they should contact if something happens to the parent.
Florida residents can always reach out to an experienced attorney for affordable legal advice about the different documents they and their child or children might consider setting up as their child turns eighteen.
The foregoing contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. The law is complex and changes often. For proper legal advice regarding one’s own circumstances, please contact an experienced lawyer.
The foregoing is a brief and general overview of the topic.
If you have any additional Questions regarding the foregoing or have any legal issue or concern, please contact the law firm of CASERTA & SPIRITI in Miami Lakes, Florida.