The Three Essential Estate Planning Documents Every Adult Over 18 Needs

Turning 18 in California comes with many rights—and responsibilities. But one responsibility few young adults think about is estate planning. Whether you’re entering college, starting a career, or buying your first home, these three documents can give you essential control if something happens: a will, a financial power of attorney, and an advance health care directive.

In Orange County and across California—from Irvine to Laguna Hills to San Juan Capistrano—you deserve a plan that protects your wishes, even under difficult circumstances.

1. Last Will & Testament (Will)

A will sets out how you want your assets distributed, names who should receive them, and is crucial for younger adults who may have modest assets now but build estates over time.

Guardianship for minors. Even if you don’t have children now, a will lets you name a future guardian.
Supplementing your trust. Any assets you later acquire but forget to transfer into your trust can be covered by your will as a “pour-over will.”
Personal property, sentimental items, digital assets. A will allows you to specify how these are handled.

Important note for CA & OC:
In California, a will must be signed in front of two nonbeneficiary witnesses. Many young adults skip this step, making the will invalid.

2. Financial Power of Attorney (POA)

A financial power of attorney gives someone you trust the right to manage your finances if you become incapacitated. This includes:

Paying bills (mortgage, utilities, loans)
Managing investment accounts
Transferring or accessing property

Without a POA, a court would have to appoint a conservator—leading to public legal proceedings and costs.

3. Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) & Health Care Proxy

Also known as a living will, it outlines your medical treatment wishes if you can’t speak for yourself. You also appoint an agent (proxy) to make medical decisions on your behalf.

Covers life support, resuscitation, comfort care, organ donation
Allows your trusted agent to interpret your wishes
Prevents family conflicts during a crisis

Also include a HIPAA release so medical professionals can share your health information with your agent.

Why These Three Documents Matter, Even for Young Adults

Life is unpredictable. Accidents, illness, or sudden incapacity can happen at any age.
These documents give your parents, spouse, or agent legal authority to act decisively when you cannot.
It’s easier and less expensive to set them up while you’re healthy than to scramble later.
As your life grows (assets, family, real estate), these documents form the legal backbone of your estate plan.

Turning Your Plan Into a Living Strategy

Once you have these three core documents, you’re ready to build further:

Revocable Living Trust — to manage and distribute assets efficiently, avoid probate, and add control over distributions
Beneficiary designations (IRAs, 401(k)s, life insurance) aligned with your trust
Periodic reviews & updates — marriages, births, relocations, or career changes require revisiting your plan

Especially for young professionals or new homeowners in locations like Lake Forest, Ladera Ranch, or Aliso Viejo, staying up-to-date is essential.

FAQs: Estate Planning 101 for Young Adults & OC

Do I need these if I don’t own much now?
Yes — it sets the foundation. Even with minimal assets, incapacity or medical situations still occur.

Can I change or revoke these documents later?
Absolutely. While you’re mentally competent, you can modify them anytime according to your life changes.

Do these prevent probate?
Not by themselves. A living trust helps avoid probate; these documents form the base and support the trust system.

Take Action: Start Protecting Your Future Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late. For young adults, students, professionals, or first-time homeowners in Orange County — Irvine, Laguna Hills, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo — these documents are your first line of legal protection.

Michael Pevney helps individuals create these essential documents and build toward a full estate plan that respects your wishes and safeguards your legacy.

Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Strategy Session to begin setting up your foundation now.