When Your Child Turns 18: Family Access & Readiness Guide

When Your Child Turns 18: Family Access & Readiness Guide

Independence, Practical Access, and Family Clarity

Part of the Legacy Binder Series. Designed to be used inside your Legacy Binder or as a standalone resource

This 7-page, fillable guide helps families document, organize, and plan how access, communication, and support will work when a child becomes a legal adult. At 18, medical, school, and financial privacy rules change, and without clear preparation, families can find themselves unsure who can help, who can access information, and what steps to take in stressful or urgent moments.

When used as part of a complete Legacy Binder, this guide becomes a clear, quick reference for trusted family members to understand roles, preferences, and next steps. When used on its own, it provides a structured way for young adults and parents to organize key information, set boundaries, and create a shared understanding that supports both independence and connection.

What’s Included

• Plain-language overview of what changes at 18, including medical, education (FERPA), and financial access
• Emergency contact and campus or housing information worksheets
• Family access and decision-maker planning pages
• Digital life and phone access organizer (accounts, recovery information, and location sharing)
• Family boundaries and communication prompts
• Annual review checklist to keep information current as life changes

Important Note

This guide is designed for use in all 50 states and reflects general rules and common practices. It is intended for organizational and family clarity purposes only. Legal authority and formal decision-making rights are controlled by properly executed legal documents and school or medical provider policies.

Disclaimer

This guide offers general educational and organizational information only. It is not legal, tax, financial, benefits, or medical advice. Life: Sorted, LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified professional in your state.

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