Your child is heading off to college? Don’t forget these essential documents! We’re talking about a power of attorney for college students.
The weeks leading up to college are packed with excitement—and a long to-do list. Dorm shopping, class registration, and financial planning. But one thing many families forget to consider, what happens if your college-age child has a medical emergency or needs help managing finances while away from home.
As a practicing attorney for nearly 20 years and a parent of a college-aged student, I strongly encourage families to include two critical documents in their college prep checklist:
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Durable Financial Power of Attorney
Why Do You Need Power Of Attorney Documents For Your Child
Let’s look deeper into why these are necessary.
Your Child Is Now a Legal Adult
When your child turns 18, they’re legally considered an adult—even if you’re still footing the bill. That means:
- You no longer have automatic access to their medical records or the ability to make healthcare decisions.
- You can’t manage their finances, access bank accounts, or speak to institutions on their behalf—even in emergencies.
Unless your child grants you legal authority, you’re essentially locked out.
Healthcare Power of Attorney (HPOA)
A Healthcare Power of Attorney allows your child to authorize you (or another trusted adult) to make medical decisions on their behalf if they’re unable to do so themselves.
This can be essential in scenarios such as:
- A car accident
- Serious illness
- Mental health emergencies
- Unconsciousness or incapacitation
Without this document, even parents can be barred from receiving medical updates or making critical care decisions due to HIPAA privacy rules.
Bonus Tip: Include a HIPAA Release Form along with the HPOA to ensure doctors can share information with you even when your child is conscious and capable of making decisions.
Durable Financial Power of Attorney
This document allows your child to designate someone (typically a parent) to manage their financial affairs. That can include:
- Paying bills or rent
- Managing bank accounts
- Handling insurance matters
- Dealing with student loans
- Talking to the school about tuition or financial aid
If your child is studying out of state or abroad, this becomes especially helpful when something needs attention and they’re unavailable.
Peace of Mind for Everyone
Power of Attorney documents aren’t about control, they’re about protection. They give both students and parents peace of mind, knowing that if something unexpected happens, there’s a plan in place.
And they’re not just for emergencies. These documents can also be used for:
- Study abroad programs
- Medical leave
- Summer internships in different states or countries
How Do You Get Power Of Attorney For College Students?
The process is simple:
- Schedule a meeting with an attorney licensed in your state.
- Have your child sign the documents while they are of sound mind and not under duress.
- Keep copies with your child, your family, and your attorney.
If your child is attending college in another state, it’s smart to check if that state will recognize your local Power of Attorney forms or consider preparing state-specific versions.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for college means setting your child up for independence. But that doesn’t mean cutting off support. These legal documents create a safety net that can make all the difference in a moment of crisis.
Don’t wait for something to go wrong to realize what rights you don’t have anymore. Add Power of Attorney documents to your college checklist today—and give your family the peace of mind you deserve.
Need help drafting a Healthcare or Financial Power of Attorney for your college-bound child? Contact The Law Office of Stephanie Krane-Boehmer, PLLC to set up a consultation. We make the process fast, affordable, and student-friendly.
Our office is located in Rochester Hills, and we serve Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, and Wayne Counties.