7 Critical Documents to Protect Your New College Student
Imagine this: your child, now a college student, is rushed to the hospital, and you realize you don't have the legal authority to make medical decisions on their behalf. Or perhaps they find themselves in a financial bind, and without a Durable Power of Attorney, you're unable to help manage their affairs.
These are just a couple of examples of how having the right legal documents in place can provide critical protection and support for your college student. From ensuring that you can stay informed about their health and academic progress to giving them the power to make their own decisions about medical treatment, these documents offer peace of mind for both you and your child.
Here are seven vital legal documents that every college parent needs:
1. Health Care Proxy / Medical Power of Attorney
A Health Care Proxy or Medical Power of Attorney allows your student to designate someone to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. This document is particularly important in emergency situations where immediate decisions are necessary.
2. HIPAA Release Form
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects your student's medical privacy. By signing a HIPAA release form, your child can authorize medical professionals to share their health information with you or another designated individual in the event of a medical emergency.
3. Durable Power of Attorney
This document enables your college student to appoint someone to manage their financial and legal affairs if they are unable to do so themselves. This can include tasks such as banking transactions, signing checks, and handling other financial matters.
4. Living Will
This one sounds a little morbid, but it’s something to consider. A living will outlines your child's preferences regarding medical treatment, particularly concerning life-sustaining measures, in the event that they are in a terminal condition and cannot communicate their wishes.
5. FERPA Release
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) safeguards the privacy of student education records. If your child signs a FERPA release, it allows colleges and universities to share their academic records with you, keeping you informed about their educational progress and any potential concerns.
6. Emergency Contact Information
While not necessarily a legal document, having an up-to-date list of emergency contacts is crucial. This should include family members, trusted friends, and important medical information. Encourage your student to keep this information readily accessible.
7. Personal Identification Documents
Make sure your child has all necessary identification documents, such as their Social Security card, passport, and driver's license. These documents are often required for various legal and administrative processes at college.
Next Steps:
Have an open conversation with your child about the significance of these documents and how they support their independence and well-being while away at college.
Consider consulting with a legal professional to ensure that all documents are properly prepared and legally binding.
Keep copies of these documents in a secure but accessible location, and encourage your student to have digital copies available as well.
As your child takes this significant step into adulthood, ensuring that these legal essentials are in order can provide peace of mind for both you and your student. By being prepared for any situation, your child can confidently navigate their college years with the knowledge that they have the necessary protections in place.
