How Honolulu Parents Can Stay Involved in Their Young Adult’s Medical Care

As a parent, you’re used to being the first call in a crisis. But once your child turns 18, the law views them as an adult—meaning you may no longer have access to their medical information or the authority to make important decisions if something goes wrong.

In Hawaiʻi, this shift can come as a shock to parents of college students or young adults living away from home. Without the proper legal documents, doctors may be prohibited from discussing your child’s condition or allowing you to participate in medical decisions during an emergency.

Why Parental Rights End at 18

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), once your child becomes a legal adult, their medical privacy is protected — just like any other adult. Even if they’re still on your health insurance or living at home in Honolulu, you cannot access their medical information or authorize treatment without explicit permission.

That’s why it’s essential for young adults to have the proper legal documents in place. With the right authorizations, you can remain informed and able to help if your child faces a medical emergency while away at college, traveling, or working off-island.

Three Key Legal Documents Every Hawaiʻi Parent Should Know

1. HIPAA Authorization

This simple but powerful document allows your adult child to name the individuals who can access their medical information. They can also specify what details can remain private — such as mental health treatment or reproductive health — striking a balance between independence and protection.

2. Medical Power of Attorney

This document allows your young adult to designate someone — often a parent or another trusted adult — to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. Having this in place can prevent unnecessary delays in care and ensure decisions reflect your child’s wishes.

3. Durable Financial Power of Attorney

A durable financial power of attorney gives someone the authority to manage financial and legal matters if your child is incapacitated. This could include paying rent, handling tuition, or managing a bank account. It’s a critical safeguard for young adults studying or working outside Honolulu or on the neighbor islands.

When to Start the Conversation

The best time to prepare these documents is before your child leaves for college or begins living independently. Sitting down together to discuss what each document means — and why it matters — helps ensure everyone is comfortable with the plan.

At the Law Office of Keoni Souza, we help Honolulu families create what we call a GUARD Plan, designed specifically to protect young adults once they turn 18. It’s a simple yet essential way to ensure you can step in when your child needs you most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: At what age does my parental authority end in Hawaiʻi?

A: In Hawaiʻi, your child becomes a legal adult at 18. From that day forward, you lose the automatic right to access their medical or financial information.

Q: Do these documents need to be notarized?

A: Yes, both the Medical Power of Attorney and the Durable Financial Power of Attorney must typically be notarized to be legally valid.

Q: Can my child revoke these documents later?

A: Absolutely. Your young adult can modify or revoke these documents at any time if their preferences or circumstances change.

Take the Next Step

Don’t wait for an emergency to discover you no longer have a say. If you have a college student or young adult in your family, take steps now to protect their health, finances, and future.

Schedule a Life & Legacy Planning Session today to ensure your family has the legal and medical protections needed — so your young adult can focus on living their best life.

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This article is brought to you by the Law Office of Keoni Souza, a boutique estate planning firm located in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, proudly serving families on Oʻahu and across the Hawaiian Islands. At our firm, estate planning is about more than documents — it’s about creating lasting peace of mind for you and the people you love. Through our unique Life & Legacy Planning Process, we guide you to make informed, empowered decisions that protect your wealth, your wishes, and your family’s future. To get started, contact our Honolulu office today to schedule your Life & Legacy Planning Session.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult an estate planning attorney licensed in the State of Hawaiʻi. Use of this website or communication through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Keoni Souza, LLC.