Can you make decisions for your young adult child if they have an accident or become seriously ill? When a child has reached the legal age of adulthood (in Maine, that's 18 and older), parents have fewer rights over them than they do over minors. An advance directive and a durable power of attorney authorize you to act on behalf of your child. If you haven't made any incapacity plans yet, you can both secure your futures together, and you'll feel better that you're protecting your rights and your child's needs. 

If you want to talk to a loved one about an advance health-care directive, you may not know where to begin. Here is some advice on how to plan the conversation, how to broach the topic, and what to say.