In just a few weeks, parents across the country will send their children off to college for the first time. If you're one of those parents, congratulations! It's an exciting and emotional transition.
In the midst of all the change, remember that once your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic access to their health, financial, or academic records. If you’re sending a teen off to college this summer, consider having them sign:
- HIPAA Release Form – So you can speak to doctors in an emergency.
- Healthcare Proxy – So you can make medical decisions if they can’t.
- Durable Power of Attorney – To help with banking, billing, or loans.
- FERPA Waiver – So the college can speak to you about grades or tuition.
These are simple documents that can make a world of difference in an emergency. Most estate planning attorneys offer a young adult package, or you can use online legal tools to get them done quickly and affordably. You can also find all these legal forms at Mama Bear Legal Forms (everything but the will) or at Trust & Will (everything but the FERPA Waiver). Or feel free to contact us if you need guidance or have questions.