Key Points from Advocate Tal Kaufman’s Lecture in the Parents’ Preparatory Program for Pre-Enlistment Youth on the Autism Spectrum
Turning 18 is a major milestone for any family, but for parents of children on the autism spectrum, it is also a legal transition. At that age, parents stop being natural guardians, and the law treats the child as an independent adult. Many families realize the implications only when they try to get medical information, manage a bank account, or access funds saved for their child.
As part of her work supporting special-needs communities, advocate Tal Kaufman, Partner and Head of the Wealth Management and Intergenerational Transfer Department at ABADI & CO., took part in the “Parents’ Preparatory Program” series for parents of teenagers on the spectrum. In her lecture, she presented the legal tools available to them in clear, practical language.
The Parents’ Preparatory Program: The Parent as the Central Anchor
The Parents’ Preparatory Program is run by the “Oti” Association (the Israeli Autism Association), together with “My Piece of the Puzzle”, “Ro’im Rahok”, “Connections” and “Shibolim”. Designed for parents of students in grades 10-12, it treats them as key agents of change and combines professional lectures with small discussion groups. Topics include adolescence, autonomy, independence, service pathways, and the legal aspects of adulthood.
What Changes at Age 18 - and Why It Is Important to Know in Advance
Until age 18, parents are their child’s natural guardians under the Legal Capacity and Guardianship Law. At 18, that status ends automatically, and the law presumes full independence. Advocate Kaufman stressed that early legal advice could spare families stress, delays, and harm.
Legal Tools: Not Only Guardianship
Advocate Kaufman emphasized that there is no "one-size-fits-all solution": the right legal tool depends on each child’s level of functioning and individual needs.
- Guardianship - a court appointment authorizing another person to make decisions on the adult’s behalf. It is an important protective tool, but it may limit independence.
- Supported Decision-Making - a framework in which the adult remains the decision-maker, while the supporter helps them understand and carry out their wishes. This is especially suitable for adults with moderate to high functioning.
The central message was clear: "the issue is not whether protection is needed, but what level of protection is needed and in which areas". Families should therefore build a tailored support framework rather than automatically choosing full guardianship.
Planning Ahead: A Will, Trust, and Lasting Power of Attorney
Beyond the transition at 18, the lecture also addressed long-term planning: how to protect the child’s well-being when the parents can no longer provide support.
- Will - allows parents to decide how assets will be distributed and include instructions for the child’s benefit.
- Trust - enables long-term management of funds for the child through a family member or professional trustee.
- Lasting Power of Attorney - allows parents to decide in advance who will handle their affairs if they lose capacity.
In many cases, the best solution is a combination of legal tools tailored to the child’s situation and the family’s needs.
