Ask Dale: What You Need to Know About Power of Attorney for College Students

What You Need to Know About Power of Attorney for College Students

As parents, preparing to send your child off to college is a mix of pride and anxiety. Today’s question comes from Michelle, who shared a concern many parents may not have considered:

“My 18-year-old is heading off to college this month. I was surprised to learn that, although he is still under my health insurance, legally, I have no say in his health care decisions if he had an accident and was unable to make them for himself. Is there anything I can do that would allow me to act on my child’s behalf during an emergency?”

The answer is yes—there’s a simple legal step you can take to protect your family: becoming your child’s health and financial power of attorney.

Why Is Power of Attorney Important for College Students?

When your child turns 18, they are considered a legal adult. That means, without proper authorization, you won’t have access to their medical records, financial accounts, or even academic information. In the event of an emergency, this could create serious delays or barriers to helping them.

Granting power of attorney gives you the ability to act on your child’s behalf in health care and financial matters if they are unable to do so.

How to Set Up Power of Attorney for Your College Student

Many online services make this process simple and affordable, but it’s important to understand what’s involved:

1. Sign a HIPAA Release
   A HIPAA release allows you access to your child’s medical records. Without it, health care providers are legally restricted from sharing this information with you.
2. Sign a FERPA Release
   FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) protects your child’s educational records. A FERPA release enables you to access their school information, such as grades or disciplinary actions, if needed.
3. Notarization
   All forms and documents must be signed in the presence of a notary public to make them legally binding. This ensures their authenticity and compliance with the law.

Peace of Mind for Parents

While no one hopes to use these legal powers, they provide peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected. In an emergency, you won’t face frustrating delays or barriers to making critical decisions for your child.

Learn More:
For additional details and insights, watch the full “Ask Dale” video here: Power of Attorney for College Students

Taking the time to establish power of attorney is a small but important step to ensure your family is prepared for life’s uncertainties. After all, peace of mind is priceless.