If you are anything like me, if something happens to my son or daughter, I am ready to swoop in as “the Ultimate Protector” – protecting their interests and managing the situation. After all, that’s how I earn a living…helping people protect their assets and manage their affairs through estate planning. 

But as much as our children in our eyes will always be our children despite their age, I understand that the law thinks differently. Although they may be 18 years or older, still living in our house, eating our food, wearing the clothes we provide and breathing the air we pay for, nevertheless, they are grown. 

As 18-year old adults, the superpowers I possess as their mom and attorney — to swoop in and save the day — are now limited. The law says I now need my son’s and daughter’s permission in advance to show up at a hospital after an accident or in the midst of a health crisis to obtain information about their well-being, to step in and protect their interest in a potentially vulnerable situation, and to manage their affairs. 

 As a mom first and an attorney second, it is a no brainer. And, I hope my son and daughter feels the same way when the time comes.  I don’t expect either to be involved in an accident or experience a health crisis; but I plan to be prepared and so should you. Having properly executed HIPAA authorizations and Powers of Attorneys allows you to maintain your superpower as your son or daughter ages and starts them on the road to a well-planned estate.

 And to all the supermoms everywhere…Happy Mother’s Day!!!