Law and Ethics Practice Exam

For how long must you retain records for a minor client after they turn 18?

1. Five years

2. Seven years

3. Ten years

4. Until the client turns 25

The correct answer is: Seven years

The correct answer is that records for a minor client must be retained until the client turns 25. This is pertinent because the retention period recognizes the fact that minors do not have the same legal rights and responsibilities as adults, and therefore, any records related to their care or legal matters need to remain accessible until they can fully exercise their rights upon reaching adulthood. The legal framework in many jurisdictions stipulates this extended period to ensure that clients have the opportunity to address any issues that may arise from their records, which may have significant implications for their personal or legal affairs. Other options such as retaining records for five years, seven years, or ten years do not adequately account for the unique circumstances surrounding minors. These periods are often associated with different types of records or have specific applications that do not relate to the retention of minor clients' records after they reach adulthood. The key takeaway is that until the age of 25, individuals may still reference and require access to their historical records, making it essential for practitioners to comply with the longer retention requirement.