Estate Planning for Young Adults in PA
By Sean Quinlan, Esq. · Updated January 15, 2025
When a Pennsylvania resident turns 18, parents lose the automatic legal authority to act on their behalf — even in a medical emergency. A minimal plan restores it.
Healthcare POA + HIPAA
Names a parent as agent for medical decisions and lets the hospital share information. Essential before college.
Durable POA
Lets a parent handle financial matters (tuition disputes, tax forms, apartment leases) if the young adult is abroad, hospitalized, or studying abroad.
Simple will
Optional at 18 but worth considering by mid-20s, especially after marriage or first home purchase.
This article is general information about Pennsylvania law as of the update date above. It is not legal advice for your situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice on your specific facts, please schedule a consultation.
Talk with a Pennsylvania estate planning attorney.
Most plans take two meetings. The first is a consultation — clear, honest, and free of pressure.