Why Every College Student Should Have Powers of Attorney Before Leaving for Campus
Starting college is an exciting milestone. Beyond buying supplies and choosing classes, there is one more step that should be done.
Once your child turns 18, they are legally an adult. Although they may still depend on you for support and guidance, parents no longer have automatic authority to make medical or financial decisions for them. In an emergency, you may not be able to access key information or act quickly without the right legal documents.
Putting both a healthcare power of attorney and a financial power of attorney in place before your student leaves for college can give both parents and students peace of mind. To learn more about why every college student should have powers of attorney before leaving for campus.
What Changes When Your Child Turns 18?
Privacy laws and other legal protections apply as soon as your child becomes an adult. Without proper authorization, parents may be unable to:
- Speak with doctors about their child’s condition
- Access medical records
- Make healthcare decisions if their child becomes incapacitated
- Manage financial matters if their child cannot do so themselves
Even if your child wants you involved, hospitals, healthcare providers, and financial institutions may be unable to share information or follow your instructions without the required documents.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
A Healthcare Power of Attorney lets your child choose a trusted person, often a parent, to make medical decisions if they cannot communicate their wishes. A well written one also includes a HIPAA authorization so the named agent can access health information and talk to doctors. This authorization can be invaluable if your child is hospitalized away from home or unable to communicate with family.
Although the HIPAA authorization is effective immediately, the young adult continues to make all their own medical decisions until and unless the student cannot make decisions independently. As long as they can make their own healthcare choices, they remain in control.
Having this document in place can prevent delays during medical emergencies and make clear who is authorized to act if needed.
Financial Power of Attorney
College students often have bank accounts, credit cards, leases, insurance policies, tuition obligations, and other financial responsibilities.
A Financial Power of Attorney allows your student to authorize someone they trust to handle certain financial matters if they are temporarily unable to do so, including paying bills and communicating with financial institutions.
Peace of Mind for Students and Parents
Estate planning is not only for retirees or people with significant assets. For young adults, these documents are less about the distant future and more about being ready for the unexpected.
Setting up these protections before college can help families avoid added stress during an already difficult time.
How an Estate Planning Attorney Can Help
Every student’s situation is different. An experienced estate planning attorney can prepare documents tailored to your family’s needs and compliant with Pennsylvania law.
Before your student heads to campus, consider adding legal planning to your college checklist. The right documents can provide peace of mind, protect your child’s interests, and ensure trusted people can help when it matters most.
If you have questions about Healthcare Powers of Attorney, Financial Powers of Attorney, HIPAA Authorizations, or other estate planning documents, the experienced estate planning attorneys at Friedman Schuman Layser can help you prepare for life’s unexpected moments. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about why every college student should have powers of attorney before leaving for campus.