Coming of age signifies becoming an adult. In the United States, the majority of states designate the age of 18 as the age for a young person to be considered an adult. In the states of Arkansas, Nevada, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin the age is either 18 or when one graduates from high school. In the states of Delaware and Nebraska, the age is 19 and in the state of Mississippi, the age is 21.
When considering adult status, it is important to consider that should these 18, 19 and 21 year olds are legally adults, thus parents no longer automatically are entitled to make decisions for them. While a first glance, this may seem liberating to these young adults, what happens if they are incapacitated and have not signed legal documents selecting someone to speak for them in financial, health care and property areas if they are not able to speak?
The idea of falling victim to a serious illness or injury seems like an incredibly remote possibility to young adults and their parents. This is especially true for young people who are unmarried and have no children. While the risk of a young person becoming incapacitated is remote, it is not outside of the realm of possibility.
When I was 20, I fell off an 18 foot seawall. If I had not received CPR, I would not be writing this article today. Young adults are encouraged to set aside the time to create a plan for such a set of circumstances and to draft the necessary legal documents that outline plans in case of a serious accident and/or illness.
Why is this an important issue for young adults to consider? Access to cash, online accounts, bills to be paid, the residence, important documents, contacts and decisions of how to handle medical care come to mind. Who would be best to speak for you? Is it your parents, siblings, friends, co-workers? If you live away from home, who is your emergency contact nearby to help out?
Covering your bases and documenting your wishes is wise prior to you coming of age. Creating defensive strategies along with your cash generating offensive strategies is a life-long skill. Decisions made upon coming of age may be revised for the many years of a healthy life to come.
The Living Planner is available to consult with young adults and families about their wishes to prepare you for a visit with an attorney. Here’s organizing your life to breathe easier while you live life fully!
We’ve been listening and have uncovered a tremendous amount of information. We’ve learned that well-being begins by knowing who you are, where you are, what your wishes are and by developing strategies to move forward having access to resources and support when needed.
Contact us to learn more about how we work with individuals, business owners and employees to identify precautionary measures you can take at home, work and in life via Email or online @ The Living Planner