Getting married is a special time in your life; you may have a beautiful wedding, a fun reception (with a delicious cake and special gifts), and a romantic honeymoon. It is also the right time for you and your new spouse to plan for your future—for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health.

Being an adult comes with freedom and responsibility. You can now make important decisions on your own without consulting your parents or guardians. While this may feel incredibly liberating, it is not without some scary moments. As an adult, you are in charge of yourself. If you cannot act on your own behalf, there is no one who can automatically step in for you—not even your parents or guardians. You need to legally appoint decision-makers for your medical, legal, and financial matters. As you embark on adulthood, address these two important questions to ensure that you are protected if you need someone to step in for you.

The Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was enacted to provide guidelines to the healthcare industry for protecting patient information and preserving privacy. This is usually a nonissue for minors because parents, as legal guardians, generally have access to their children’s medical information, make most of their medical decisions, and pay the expenses.

The divorce process can be long and expensive. However, the work does not end once the divorce decree is signed. To ensure that your wishes for your money, property, and estate plan are carried out in light of this major life change, there are three things you must do as soon as possible.

Consider the following story: Beth’s divorce from her husband was recently finalized. The most valuable things she owns are her employer-sponsored retirement plan and her life insurance policy. She has opted to use the beneficiary designations as her only form of estate planning and updated the primary beneficiary designations to name her two minor children. She does not want her ex-husband to receive the money.