Preparing your child for college is a monumental milestone filled with excitement and planning. After paying the enrollment deposit, completing the dorm application, and buying their first college sweatshirt, you might think everything is ready. However, there’s one crucial element often overlooked—legal planning.
When your child turns 18, they are legally considered an adult. This means parents lose automatic access to medical, financial, and academic records, even if they’re footing the bill. Emergencies or disputes, such as a medical crisis, financial issue, or landlord disagreement, can arise, leaving parents unable to step in without proper legal documents.
Here’s why these documents are essential and how they can ensure you’re prepared to help your child in any situation.
Why Legal Documents Are Necessary
Once your child turns 18, privacy laws limit your ability to access their information or make decisions on their behalf. Without the proper legal documents, parents may encounter:
Restricted Access: Privacy laws, such as FERPA and HIPAA, prevent you from obtaining academic or medical information without consent.
Limited Authority: You won’t be able to manage finances, handle emergencies, or make medical decisions without authorization.
These documents are critical to bridging the gap and ensuring you can provide support when it matters most.
Five Must-Have Legal Documents for College Students
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) Waiver The FERPA Waiver allows parents to access academic records, such as grades, enrollment status, and financial aid. Without this waiver, schools cannot legally share this information.
Healthcare Power of Attorney A Healthcare Power of Attorney gives you the authority to make medical decisions for your child if they are incapacitated or unable to communicate.
Living Will A Living Will outlines your child’s preferences for end-of-life care, including decisions about life-sustaining treatments and organ donation, ensuring their wishes are respected.
HIPAA Release The HIPAA Release allows healthcare providers to share medical information, including diagnoses, treatments, and test results. Without this release, parents are left in the dark during emergencies.
Financial Power of Attorney A Financial Power of Attorney enables parents to manage their child’s finances, pay bills, renew car registrations, or access bank accounts in case of incapacitation.
When to Complete These Documents
These documents should be completed as soon as your child turns 18 or, at the very latest, before they leave for college. If your child is attending college out-of-state, ensure the documents comply with that state’s laws.
At The Lansky Law Firm, we understand how important it is to protect your family’s future. Our experienced team can help you prepare these essential documents, giving you peace of mind as your child embarks on this new journey.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your family is prepared for any situation.
Call (901) 767-7006 or visit www.lanskylawfirm.com to get started.
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