I recall the end of the school year with fondness. I gave it my all for two semesters and it was off to… summer school. But, it was a more relaxed time and the weather was great. Across the country, college students are returning home with backpacks full of laundry and minds free from finals. For many families, this marks a welcome season of reconnection, travel, and rest. But amid the celebration and downtime, summer also brings a unique opportunity to handle something that’s often overlooked: legal planning for young adults.
Legal Adulthood Starts at 18
If your child is 18 or older, they are legally considered an adult in the eyes of the law. That means you, as a parent, no longer have automatic authority to make medical decisions, access healthcare records, or manage financial matters on their behalf. This legal shift catches many families by surprise, especially during emergencies. One moment, your child is in a dorm room writing essays; the next, they’re in an emergency room and hospital staff won’t speak to you—because you’re not legally authorized.
The Medical Power of Attorney: Access in a Crisis
A Medical Power of Attorney, sometimes called a Health Care Proxy, allows your child to name someone—typically a parent—to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are incapacitated or otherwise unable to communicate. Without this document, doctors and hospitals are often prohibited by law (under HIPAA) from sharing medical information with parents. Even in emergencies, care providers must follow privacy laws unless there’s legal documentation permitting access. That means delays in treatment, anxiety for parents, and an unnecessary burden on your child’s medical team.
The Financial Power of Attorney: Managing Life When They Can’t
Just as the Medical Power of Attorney covers healthcare decisions, a Durable Financial Power of Attorney gives you legal authority to manage your child’s finances. This may include handling student loan issues, dealing with landlords, paying bills, accessing bank accounts, or managing insurance claims—especially if your child is incapacitated or abroad.
Why Summer Is the Ideal Time
During the academic year, your college student’s schedule is likely packed. Between classes, jobs, exams, and social activities, finding time to talk about estate planning is a tall order. But summer offers a rare window. They’re home. They’re relaxed. And perhaps most importantly, they’re accessible. However, if your child is participating in a study abroad program, having both types of Power of Attorney is even more important. International travel can introduce legal, logistical, and medical complications that are far easier to navigate if a trusted person back home is empowered to act.
Teaching Responsibility Without Giving Up Autonomy
Some young adults are wary of giving their parents “too much power.” That concern is understandable. These documents should not be seen as a way to control your child, but rather as a safety net. In most cases, the powers granted in these documents are only used if the child is unable to act on their own behalf. They do not remove independence or change the nature of the parent-child relationship—they simply provide backup when needed.
Bringing up legal planning with your college student doesn’t need to be heavy or ominous. Frame it as a normal part of growing up—just like opening a bank account or getting a driver’s license. You’re not expecting the worst; you’re preparing for real life.
Safeguarding Digital Access and Online Accounts
Another often-overlooked benefit of Powers of Attorney is their relevance in the digital age. College students store much of their lives online—from class notes and email accounts to social media and subscription services. If your child becomes incapacitated, access to their digital assets and communications may be essential. A well-drafted Power of Attorney can include provisions allowing access to digital property, passwords, and account data, ensuring that nothing important is lost or inaccessible.
A Simple Step That Makes a Big Difference
College students may be legally adults, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to face emergencies alone. With just two documents, you can ensure that your ability to protect and assist your child doesn’t vanish the moment they turn 18. The peace of mind these documents offer is immeasurable—not just for you, but for your child as well.