You’re 18 years old now what...?

How to Make the Most of Your First Year as an Adult

You’re 18 now, and freedom feels great. You can vote 🗳️, open a bank account, and get your own credit card (please don’t!). You can move out, sign a lease, and even get that tattoo you’ve been thinking about (maybe sleep on it, though). You can finally go full-time at work and save those dollars. 

You’ve got privacy. Power. Independence. And you’re now in charge of your own medical decisions. But here’s the thing: if something goes sideways, your parents definitely don’t want their baby in the corner with no way to help. Turning 18 means you get to decide who’s in your corner... literally. 

I’m not a lawyer, so I can’t give you advice. What I can do is discuss some of the efforts Mama Bears (https://www.mamabearlegalforms.com) are making to ensure their cubs' safety.

When you leave for college or just move away, a couple of things that I’ve come across are the HIPAA release and medical power of attorney. Both of these allow you to maintain your freedom and give someone you trust the authority to step in when it matters.

ONE MINUTE I WAS FINE, NEXT I'M IN A CRISIS...

WHY YOUR PARENTS NEED YOUR HELP

Imagine you're going through your day like any other, and then..BAM!Anxiety hits you out of nowhere, or maybe you end up in a medical emergency. You’re incapacitated, unable to communicate, and your parents can't get any info about your condition from a doctor without your HIPAA release. You’re 18, and privacy laws come into play.

But if you’ve given your parents written access, they can swoop in like the superheroes they are, get the details, and make sure you’re getting the care you deserve.

And while the HIPAA release lets your parents access medical information, a medical power of attorney takes it a step further—it allows them to make decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so. Together, these documents safeguard you in any situation, providing both you and your loved ones with peace of mind when things go sideways.

I'm not trying to scare you, but now that you're officially an adult, it's time to face the truth—adulthood isn't just about making your own decisions.

It's about handling the things that no one warned you about, like taxes, insurance, and ensuring someone can step in if you end up in a medical crisis. These documents are the adulting equivalent of having your phone charger handy - essential, even if you don't think you'll need it until you do!

THIS IS TOO EXTRA FOR ME - WAIT, WHAT?!

I've covered a lot of ground, but don't worry, it's all manageable. The beauty of the digital age is that you can find all this information online, from HIPAA releases to medical power of attorney forms. A simple Google search will lead you to helpful sites like Mama Bear Legal Forms.

Additionally, AmeriEstate Legal Plan offers an "In Case of Emergency" checklist designed explicitly for 18-year-olds and college students living away from home. You've got this!

But hold on, there's one more thing! Each state has its own unique rules about how these things are put into place, so it's important to be aware of the specifics in your state.

And remember, you may need a notary public to officially authenticate these forms. That's where I come in. I mean, it's my blog, so I had to mention it, right?

LOCK IT IN BEFORE LIFE SWINGS

Three Hole Punch - Mobile Notary Public

**Disclaimer: I’m a California Notary Public, not an attorney. For legal advice, please consult an attorney.