As the excitement of the back-to-school season builds, parents of college-bound students are busy preparing their kids for life away from home. While packing and setting up dorm rooms are important, there’s a critical aspect of preparation that often gets overlooked: ensuring your newly adult “child” has the necessary legal documents in place.

Once your child turns 18, they are legally considered an adult. This means you no longer have the automatic right to make important medical or financial decisions on their behalf. To safeguard your child’s well-being, three essential legal documents should be in place before they head off to college:

A durable power of attorney allows your child to designate someone (such as you) to manage their financial affairs. This includes handling banking, paying bills, and managing other financial matters. It’s crucial for assisting your child if they’re unable to manage their finances, especially if they’re studying far from home.

A Health Care Surrogate (HCS) is a person your child appoints to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are incapacitated. This document is vital for ensuring that your child’s medical preferences are honored and that you or another trusted person can make decisions in their best interest.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) restricts access to medical records without explicit permission. A HIPAA Release Form allows you to access your child’s medical information and communicate with health care providers, ensuring you’re informed and able to act in an emergency.

At the Law Offices of Mark F. Moss, we’ve created the Parent’s Relief Kit, which includes all three essential documents to ensure you have the legal permissions needed to assist your child in any medical or financial situation. Protect your child’s independence and your peace of mind by setting up these vital legal protections today. Book your complimentary consultation by visiting markmosslaw.com or calling us at (904) 329-7242.