18 Already? You Say Child, the Law Says ADULT.

If your child just turned 18 and is heading off to college, or staying close to home, congratulations—you’ve raised an adult! But whether you're a mom, dad, or guardian, we all know that no matter how grown they are, they’re still our babies.

What many parents don’t realize is that once your child turns 18, you no longer have the legal right to access their medical records or make healthcare decisions—even in an emergency. It’s a tough reality, especially when all you want to do is help.

Here’s why it’s so important to have the right documents in place:

• Loss of Access to Medical Information
  Once your child is legally an adult, healthcare providers are not allowed to share medical information with you without written consent. That means you could be left in the dark during a medical emergency.

• Medical Emergencies
  If your child is unconscious or unable to communicate due to an accident or illness, a healthcare surrogate designation allows a trusted person—usually a parent—to make critical decisions on their behalf.

• State-Specific Laws
  Healthcare proxy rules and forms vary by state. If your child resides in Florida, JRClifton Law will draft the essential legal documents that comply with Florida law to ensure they’re valid and enforceable.

• Coordination of Care
  A healthcare surrogate may also help manage long-term care, hospital transfers, and rehabilitation efforts if needed.

JR Clifton Law makes the process easy and reassuring. You don’t want to be left scrambling when your child needs you most.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your Plan with a Purpose Strategy Session today and give yourself peace of mind.