Why Every College Student Should Have Powers of Attorney Before Leaving Home

Sending your child off to college is an exciting milestone filled with preparation and anticipation. From selecting classes to organizing dorm room essentials, it feels like every detail is covered. However, many parents overlook a critical legal document that becomes essential once a child turns 18: a power of attorney (POA).

With a power of attorney in place, you can assist your child in handling medical, financial, and educational matters if needed. It’s a simple yet powerful document that ensures you can step in during emergencies or when circumstances make it difficult for your child to manage things on their own.

Medical Emergencies and Access to Healthcare Decisions

When your child turns 18, they gain full control over their medical records and decisions. Under HIPAA regulations, you won't have automatic access to their healthcare information unless they grant you explicit permission.

A medical power of attorney solves this by giving you legal authority to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they are incapacitated. This can be critical during scenarios such as:

• A serious illness requiring immediate intervention.

• Injuries from sports or accidents.

• Mental health crises demand urgent care.

Having a medical POA ensures that in an emergency, you’ll be able to access information and act quickly to provide support.

Managing Finances and Legal Matters

Despite their growing independence, many college students still rely on their parents financially. From tuition payments to handling unexpected insurance claims, there are countless situations where you may need to assist with financial affairs. However, without a financial power of attorney, banks and institutions won’t grant you access to your child’s accounts or records—even if you’re supporting them.

A financial POA allows you to:

• Manage tuition, bills, or rent payments on their behalf.

• Address any legal issues or disputes quickly.

• Handle insurance claims, manage investments, or assist with tax matters.

This level of access is particularly handy if your child is studying abroad or temporarily unable to manage their own finances.

Gaining Access to Academic Records

Most parents assume they can check their child's grades or resolve tuition disputes without issue. However, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ensures that only the student has control over their educational records.

Including FERPA authorization in a power of attorney allows parents to access vital information, such as:

• Grades and financial aid details.

• Tuition account status and scholarships.

• Academic records during emergencies, like when a student falls ill or faces personal challenges.

This ensures that you can assist when necessary while still respecting your child’s independence.

Peace of Mind for Parents and Students

Having power of attorney documents in place isn’t about limiting your child’s independence; it’s about being prepared for the unexpected. Emergencies, financial issues, and unforeseen challenges can arise, and these documents ensure you can step in when needed without unnecessary legal hurdles. For both parents and students, this simple step brings peace of mind and clarity during the exciting yet unpredictable college years.

If you’re ready to take this important step, consider creating a College Student Power of Attorney to safeguard your family from potential challenges while your student is away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning Services

What is a power of attorney, and why is it important?

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows an individual (referred to as the "principal") to designate a trusted person (the "agent") to make decisions on their behalf. This document becomes crucial in situations where the principal is incapacitated or unavailable. For college students, it ensures parents can manage medical, financial, or legal affairs in unforeseen situations.

Is a power of attorney the only document my college student will need?

While a power of attorney is essential, it’s not the only document that may be necessary. For a comprehensive estate plan, consider other documents like a simple will, a medical directive or living will, and a FERPA release for educational records. These additional documents provide broader coverage and peace of mind during your child’s transition to college life.

At Northern Virginia Trusts & Estates, we specialize in creating tailored estate planning solutions for families in Northern Virginia. From simple wills to robust powers of attorney, we ensure your loved ones are protected. Visit our website to schedule a free consultation and get started today.