A will is not the first thing most families think about when a child leaves for college, but it probably should be a priority. Once a student turns 18, parents automatically lose legal access to their child’s medical and financial records, and a basic document signed before move-in day could make all the difference.
Why a will makes sense for a young adult
In Arizona, anyone who is at least 18 years old and of sound mind can make a will. While most college students possess modest assets, this does not mean an estate plan is pointless.
A basic will gives a young adult the ability to direct personal belongings to specific people, name beneficiaries for a bank account and dictate how to handle digital assets. For students who are already parents or plan to be, a will also serves as a vehicle to designate a guardian for their minor children.
Financial tools like a Payable-on-Death designation or an Arizona Small Estate Affidavit can move funds without probate. However, they have strict limitations. A will covers what those banking instruments cannot — personal property, digital accounts and guardianship.
What to prepare alongside a will
If your child faces a medical emergency, you would be unable to make healthcare decisions or access their bank accounts without legal authorization. Two additional documents may resolve this hurdle:
- Healthcare power of attorney: Allows an 18-year-old to name a trusted adult to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. To be valid in Arizona, it must be signed before a notary public or an adult witness. This witness cannot be the designated agent, a healthcare provider or a relative by blood, marriage or adoption.
- Financial power of attorney: Grants a named adult the authority to manage bank accounts and financial matters under the same circumstances. Arizona law requires the student to sign this document and have it formally acknowledged before a notary public.
Together with a will, these instruments provide a solid legal foundation as your child steps into adulthood
What you can do next
Estate planning is a practical step for anyone entering adulthood. Helping your young adult get these documents in place early means one less thing for you to worry about when life gets more complicated. More than anything, helping them draft a basic will builds a lifelong habit. Estate planning is not a one-time task; it grows with them.
Reviewing these options with a qualified attorney can help you identify exactly which documents they need and ensure everything is properly executed under Arizona law.
