Essential Legal Documents for College-Bound 18-Year-Olds: What Parents Need to Know
When your child heads off to college at 18, it’s a big change—for them and for you! Now, they’re legally considered an adult, which means there are new rules about who can access their information. You may not automatically be able to help in situations involving their health, finances, or even college records.
To make sure you can still support them when it matters most, here’s a list of the essential legal documents that can help protect both of you and give you access to information if it’s ever needed.
Why Bother with Legal Documents for an 18-Year-Old?
Once your child is 18, doctors, banks, and even their college won’t automatically share their information with you. If you want to help in emergencies or be informed about their health and finances, having these documents signed by your child gives you permission to do that. It’s like setting up a “just-in-case” plan.
The 4 Most Important Legal Documents for 18-Year-Olds Heading to College
1. Health Care Proxy (Medical Power of Attorney)
A Health Care Proxy is a document where your child names someone (usually a parent) who can make medical decisions for them if they can’t make those decisions themselves.
- Why It Matters: If there’s an emergency—like an accident or illness—this document lets you step in to help make medical decisions on their behalf.
- Mental Health Needs: If your child needs mental health support but isn’t able to give consent, the Health Care Proxy lets you make those decisions.
Without this, doctors may not let you make decisions for them in emergencies.
2. HIPAA Authorization
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a law that keeps medical information private. When your child turns 18, their health information can’t be shared with you unless they sign a HIPAA Authorization form.
- Why It Matters: With a HIPAA Authorization, you can stay informed about their health if they’re ever sick or in the hospital.
- Quick Access in Emergencies: This form allows doctors to discuss their health with you, which can make emergencies less stressful.
A HIPAA Authorization doesn’t let you make medical decisions, but it does let you get information about their health.
3. Durable Power of Attorney (POA)
A Durable Power of Attorney (POA) gives you the authority to manage financial, legal, and administrative matters on your college student’s behalf if they’re unable to do so. Here’s why it’s a good idea:
- Manage Finances: If your child is studying abroad or needs help with banking, a Durable POA lets you pay bills, transfer funds, and handle other financial tasks.
- Access to Financial Accounts: You can help with routine matters, like renewing bank cards, handling rental agreements, or even filing taxes, without needing their direct involvement.
- Peace of Mind: If there’s ever a serious accident or illness, you won’t have to go through a lengthy legal process to help with their financial affairs.
This is a great “just in case” document, ensuring you can step in if something goes wrong.
4. FERPA Release (for College Records)
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is a law that protects college students’ academic records once they’re 18. A FERPA release lets your child allow you access to their academic records, grades, and class information.
- Why It Matters: This document lets you stay informed about your child’s grades and progress, which can be helpful if you’re paying for college or want to help them navigate academic issues.
- Eases Support: If your child needs help with registration, financial aid, or other school issues, a FERPA release makes it easier for you to assist.
Without a FERPA release, colleges are required by law to keep you out of the loop on your child’s educational records.
Getting These Documents Made Easily: Mama Bear Legal Forms
If this seems overwhelming, there’s an easy way to handle it! Mama Bear Legal Forms offers these essential documents all in one place, designed specifically for families with college students. They make it quick and simple to create legally valid forms, so you and your child can get the paperwork done without any confusion.
With Mama Bear, you can:
- Get reliable, state-approved documents made quickly.
- Cover all the important areas: health, finances, and education.
- Be prepared with a safety net that supports both you and your child.
Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind for You and Your Teen
Sending your child off to college is a big step for both of you. By setting up these legal documents, you’re helping ensure they have the independence they deserve while still having a safety net in place if they need your support. Life is unpredictable, and these documents can help make challenging situations a little easier, knowing you’re prepared for anything.
Ready to start? Mama Bear Legal Forms can help you get these documents set up so your family is ready for college with peace of mind and legal preparation.
