Why every college student should consider a Power of Attorney for college students before leaving home is a question that many families overlook during the busy college preparation season. Between shopping for dorm essentials, setting class schedules, and reviewing financial aid paperwork, one critical item often gets left off the checklist: a Power of Attorney (POA). For students 18 or older, this legal tool can be just as essential as a laptop or student ID.
If you’re unsure how a POA fits into your family’s plan, the attorneys at Farrell & Grochowski can guide you through every step of the process with personalized estate planning services.
What Is a Power of Attorney for College Students?
A Power of Attorney for college students is a legal document that allows a parent, guardian, or trusted adult to make important decisions if the student is unable to. This authority can cover both health and financial matters. Two common types are especially useful for college students:
- Medical Power of Attorney (Health Care Proxy): Authorizes someone to make medical decisions if the student cannot speak for themselves. Learn more about medical directives from MedlinePlus.
- Financial (Durable) Power of Attorney: Grants permission to manage financial matters such as banking, tuition payments, taxes, and signing official documents.
By establishing these protections, families ensure that critical decisions can be made quickly and responsibly when needed.
Why a Power of Attorney for College Students Matters at Age 18
Turning 18 is a legal milestone – students are now considered adults. As a result, parents no longer have automatic access to medical records, financial accounts, or even school-related documents. According to the Center for Parent Information & Resources, this change is called the “age of majority.”
Without a Power of Attorney for college students, families may face significant challenges such as:
- Limited access to medical updates during emergencies.
- Inability to step in quickly with banking or tuition payments.
- Delays caused by legal red tape when urgent action is needed.
To prevent these issues, parents may also want to review related documents such as wills and trusts.
Real-Life Scenarios Where a Power of Attorney for College Students Helps
Transitioning to independence doesn’t mean parents should be powerless in emergencies. A Power of Attorney for college students has real-world applications, including:
- Medical Emergency: If a student is hospitalized after an accident, parents may need a medical POA to receive updates and make care decisions.
- Studying Abroad: If a student loses access to their U.S. bank account while overseas, a financial POA allows parents to resolve the issue quickly. For guidance, see the U.S. State Department’s study abroad resources.
- Scholarships and Taxes: When students miss deadlines for taxes or financial aid, a parent with POA can step in to handle the paperwork. The IRS student tax guide offers more information.
These examples highlight just how valuable a POA can be during a student’s college years.
How to Set Up a Power of Attorney
Fortunately, setting up a Power of Attorney for college students is a straightforward process. Here are the steps most families follow:
- Consult an Attorney: Work with a lawyer familiar with your state’s requirements. At Farrell & Grochowski, our estate planning attorneys help families create legally sound POA documents tailored to their needs.
- Choose a Trusted Agent: Most students name a parent or guardian.
- Notarize the Document: Many states require signatures in front of a notary public.
- Share Copies: Provide copies to doctors, the school’s health center, and keep one at home.
This preparation ensures the POA is valid and available when needed.
Final Thoughts
A Power of Attorney isn’t just for older adults – it is a smart, proactive decision for every college student. By setting one up, families gain peace of mind knowing that someone trusted can act quickly in an emergency.
Before your child leaves for school, make sure they pack more than just textbooks and clothes. Equip them with the legal protection a Power of Attorney for college students provides. It could be one of the most important decisions you make before they step onto campus.
At Farrell & Grochowski, we help families prepare for life’s most important transitions. If your child is heading to college, now is the perfect time to secure their future with a Power of Attorney.
Contact Farrell & Grochowski today to schedule a consultation and ensure your college student is protected before they leave home.
