Three Documents Every College Age Kid Should Have

Did you know that, once your child turns 18, you no longer have access to their medical records or their financial information?

Did you know that one of the first things you should do when your child turns 18 is take them to your lawyer's office?

It might seem like just yesterday your child was running around in the backyard playing silly games. Now they are graduating high school and maybe even going away to college. The government says your son or daughter is now an adult, but to you, they'll always be your baby. While you will no longer be wiping their tears away as you put a Band-Aid on a skinned knee, you can make sure you have the legal authority to help them and care for them - no matter what.

Most parents don't realize it, but once your child turns 18, there are three very important legal documents your children must have in place. They are: a Financial Power Of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, and a HIPAA Authorization. Although unthinkable, if your child ever became incapacitated and unable to make decisions on his or her own, a Power of Attorney gives you the legal authority to make the best decisions for your child.

During the summer, we always encourage our clients to bring in their college age children and take care of this important legal business! In fact, I like to explain to our clients that one of the first thing my kids are going to do when they turn 18 is visit the office and sign their first legal documents. I'm sure that visiting my office won't be at the top of their "to do" list, but it's going to be at the top of my list.

We've got time though - my oldest is only 12 years old, so I've got six years to get the documents prepared. Right now, they like to come in only if there is new candy in the bowl.

A "health care power of attorney" lets both your child's physician and you know their health care preferences, including the types of special treatment they want or don't want if they are hospitalized. Many parents don't realize that when your child goes off to college, you won't have access to their medical records or talk with physicians at your child's school. A health care power of attorney and a HIPAA authorization will allow you to make sure that your child is taken care of no matter what happens. Now that your baby is a young adult, these documents are critical to their well being - and one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

See you soon!

© 2009 The Estate Planning Law Group.

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