Guest Column: Preserving parental decision-making rights
July 20, 2026 | Patricia C. Marcin |One issue that resonates with many parents is the loss of control over decisions involving their children once they turn 18. While we may know better, an 18-year-old is generally considered an adult under New York law.
Many are just beginning their journey into adulthood, whether they are starting advanced training, heading off to college or beginning a job near or far from home. Yet parents’ rights change suddenly when their children turn 18, and they no longer have complete access to their children’s financial, educational and health records — even if they are still paying the bills.
