I am/My child is... only 18, why do they need to do an estate plan?

Depending on the circumstances, the extent of estate planning that an 18 year old needs to do can vary. However, once someone turns 18 years old, that person is legally an adult.

Once you're an adult, no one can make financial or medical decisions on your behalf unless you give them that right. Not even your parent. (Not even you, parent!) You give someone the right to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf by executing (signing) a power of attorney: a financial power of attorney (also called a durable power of attorney, also called a property power of attorney) and a healthcare power of attorney (also called a healthcare directive).

What happens if you're over 18 years old and you don't have a power of attorney? If you are ever incapacitated, and need someone to file taxes for you or make a decision about the course of medical treatment, and you do not have a power of attorney in place, then your loved one has to go to probate court to get the right to be able to make those decisions on your behalf. Yes, even if it's just a temporary situation. 

Who wants to go to court to do something that you can take care of now? Please contact me for a complimentary consultation to find out if you only need powers of attorney or if you may benefit from a more complete estate plan.