Don't get Spooked: Why Every College Student Needs a Power of Attorney
When Your Student Turns 18 and the Rules Change Overnight
It happens quietly, without fanfare, but the day your student turns 18, something big changes. The law now sees your child as an adult. That means doors that were once wide open—doctor’s offices, school records, even bank accounts—can suddenly close.
You may not notice until the first time you try to help and hear the words:
“I’m sorry, we can’t share that information without your student’s permission.”
It’s not that anyone wants to keep you out of the loop. Privacy laws simply draw a firm line once your student reaches adulthood.
Imagine your student is away at college and ends up in the hospital. You call for an update, but the nurse can’t tell you anything. You wait by the phone, hoping for news. It’s a parent’s worst kind of suspense, and it’s all too common.
Why Parents Lose Access: The Law’s Invisible Curtain
These rules are designed to protect privacy, but they often leave parents feeling helpless when they just want to help.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): Since 1996, HIPAA has controlled who can access or share medical information. Doctors face serious penalties for breaking these rules, so most remain silent unless they have written consent.
Age of Majority: In most states, 18 is the legal age of adulthood. From that day forward, your young adult is responsible for all their own medical, financial, and educational decisions, even if you are paying tuition or covering their insurance.
Together, these laws can make it nearly impossible for a parent to step in quickly during an emergency.
What Is a Power of Attorney for College Students?
A Young Adult Power of Attorney is a simple legal document that allows your student to name someone they trust (often a parent) to act on their behalf if they cannot.
There are two main types for college families:
- Medical Power of Attorney: Allows a parent or trusted adult to access medical information and make healthcare decisions in an emergency.
- Financial Power of Attorney: Lets a trusted person handle financial matters like tuition, rent, insurance, or banking if the student is unavailable or incapacitated.
How Powers of Attorney Help College Families
These documents are not about control; they are about preparation. Having them in place shows maturity and foresight. You hope you will never need them, but if you do, the benefits are significant:
- Peace of mind knowing there’s a plan in place for emergencies.
- Practical help when your student needs financial or logistical support.
- Confidence and independence for your student, with you available to help only when needed.
With and Without a Power of Attorney
| Situation | Without a Power of Attorney | With a Power of Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Emergency | Healthcare providers may refuse to share information until they confirm consent. | You can immediately receive updates and make medical decisions if necessary. |
| Financial Tasks | Bills, tuition, or housing issues may go unresolved while your student is unavailable. | You can manage tuition, rent, insurance, or banking without delays. |
| Peace of Mind | You’re left waiting for updates and hoping for answers. | You and your student both know there’s a plan in place if something happens. |
Take the Next Step Before They Head Off
As your student packs up for the new semester, take care of one small but important detail that offers lasting peace of mind.
Creating a medical and financial power of attorney for your college student is quick, affordable, and one of the smartest steps you can take to protect them.
You can learn more and find easy-to-complete forms at Mama Bear Legal Forms.
While fall brings a chill to the air, you can rest easy knowing your student is protected with a plan in place.
