The Going-Off-to-College Plan: Why Most Families Should Consider Powers of Attorney Before Their Child Turns 18
As a parent, you’ve been the go-to person for every doctor appointment, school matter, and unexpected situation for 18 years. Then your child turns 18 and heads off to college—sometimes clear across the country—and the rules change.
At 18, the law considers them a full adult. That means you no longer have automatic access to their medical information, school records, or financial matters the way you used to. Many parents feel a bit uneasy about this shift, especially when their son or daughter will be living out of state.
This is exactly why I recommend what I call the “Going Off to College Plan.” It’s a simple, practical set of documents that lets you stay ready to help if something comes up.
What Changes at Age 18
Even though your child may still be on your health insurance and you’re helping with tuition, you can suddenly find yourself unable to:
- Speak with doctors or get medical updates
- Assist with banking, bills, or financial aid issues
- Coordinate with the university in an emergency
These limitations feel especially real when your student is hundreds of miles away. One unexpected illness, injury, or tough situation can leave parents wishing they had a way to step in quickly.
The Three Documents That Restore Your Ability to Help
The Going-Off-to-College Plan includes three straightforward documents:
- Durable Financial Power of Attorney This allows you (or another trusted person) to handle financial matters on your child’s behalf—paying rent, managing accounts, or dealing with paperwork—if they’re unable to do so themselves.
- Health Care Power of Attorney This names someone to make medical decisions if your student becomes incapacitated, so care can be provided according to your family’s wishes.
- HIPAA Authorization This form permits healthcare providers to share medical information with you, keeping you informed and involved even when your child is conscious.
(We can add a simple Living Will if your student wants one, but most 18-year-olds prefer to keep the package focused on these three core documents.)
Extra Peace of Mind for Out-of-State Students
When your child is studying far from home, these documents become a real safety net. Parents often tell me they sleep better knowing they can still “ride to the rescue” and stay connected—no matter what happens.
Simple and Easy to Put in Place
We can usually complete the entire plan with a quick phone/zoom call and short in person signing meeting to have everything ready before move-in day.
It’s a small step that provides significant comfort for both parents and students heading into this new chapter.
Ready to Get This Handled?
If your high school senior is preparing for college this year, now is a great time to take care of this. It shows your student you’re still in their corner while giving everyone more confidence as they step into adulthood.
Call our office at 480-699-7992 to schedule a quick consultation. We’ll walk through the details and make it easy.
Your child is excited for college—and with the right planning, you can both feel more prepared for whatever the future holds.