Frequently Asked Questions

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Adulting 101 is an educational workshop designed to help families understand the legal, financial, and practical changes that occur when a child turns 18. The program combines education with the preparation of essential legal documents so students and parents can make informed decisions at this important transition point. 

Adulting 101 is designed for students who are approaching age 18, have recently turned 18, or are already 18 and have not yet put Advance Directives in place. This includes high school students preparing for graduation, college students, and young adults who are already living independently.

When your child turns 18, they are legally recognized as an adult. Parents are often surprised to learn that this change immediately limits access to medical information and decision-making authority, regardless of whether a child is financially dependent or living at home. 

 Both are encouraged to attend. Parents gain clarity and peace of mind, and students hear directly from legal and financial professionals about their rights, responsibilities, and real-world implications of adulthood. 

Once your child turns 18, privacy laws such as HIPAA prevent doctors and medical providers from sharing medical information with you—even in an emergency—unless your child has authorized that access.

Without Advance Directives, parents may be unable to make medical decisions, access medical records, assist with insurance matters, or act on their child’s behalf during urgent or unexpected situations.

 Without Advance Directives, parents may be unable to access medical records, speak with doctors, or make medical decisions on their child’s behalf once the child turns 18. In some situations, families may be required to seek court involvement to obtain decision-making authority.

Proper documents in place help avoid delays, confusion, and unnecessary stress during medical emergencies. 

Advance Directives are legal documents that allow your child to designate trusted individuals to receive medical information and make decisions if your child is unable to do so.

These documents are often critical in emergency or unexpected situations.

    No. Adulting 101 is an educational workshop. Participation, including the preparation and execution of documents, does not create an attorney-client relationship with Ledbetter Cowan Law Group. Any additional legal services would require a separate engagement. 

The workshop is intentionally structured as a two-session program to separate education from document execution. This allows families time to understand the information, ask questions, and complete documents thoughtfully rather than under pressure. 

 Session 1 is an educational workshop attended by students and parents together. During this session, families learn about legal rights at 18, Advance Directives, basic financial considerations, insurance issues, and common situations young adults encounter.

Advance Directive documents are explained and prepared during Session 1. No legal documents are signed during this session.

 Session 2 is focused on reviewing and executing legal documents. During this session, Steven W. Ledbetter, Esq. reviews each student’s completed Advance Directives, answers questions, and guides students through signing the documents so they become legally effective. 

Session 2 involves the execution of legal documents. Under Florida law, an individual must be 18 years old to legally sign Advance Directives and other binding legal documents.

This age requirement ensures the documents are valid and enforceable.

es. Students of any age may attend Session 1 with a parent or guardian. Session 1 is educational and preparatory only. 

 If your child is not yet 18 at the time of Session 2, signing will be coordinated once your child becomes legally eligible. Your child will still be able to complete Session 1 as planned. 

 The $200 registration fee covers both workshop sessions and the preparation and signing of your child’s Advance Directive documents—services that typically total $750 when completed individually. The workshop also includes education on financial and insurance considerations relevant to young adults.