Sending your young adults off to college is an exciting milestone, but amidst the flurry of preparations, it’s crucial not to overlook an essential aspect of their future well-being – legal documents. As parents, completing Durable Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives, and HIPAA documents for your college-bound kids can provide peace of mind and ensure their protection in unforeseen circumstances. In this blog, we will highlight the significance of these legal documents for children going to college and why they should be on your college-prep checklist.
Durable Powers of Attorney: Ensuring Decision-Making Continuity
Durable Powers of Attorney grant parents the authority to make legal and financial decisions on behalf of their young adults if they become incapacitated. As your children venture into college life, they may encounter accidents or illnesses that temporarily render them unable to manage their affairs. Having a Durable Power of Attorney in place allows you to step in as a decision-maker, ensuring critical matters like bills, insurance claims, and other legal affairs are handled efficiently.
HIPAA Documents: Granting Access to Medical Information
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) documents authorize parents to access their young adults’ medical information in case of emergencies. By having HIPAA documents in place, you can stay informed about your children’s health status, facilitate necessary medical decisions, and ensure they receive the best possible care, especially during times when they might not be able to advocate for themselves.
Advance Directives: Preserving Healthcare Wishes
Advance Directives, also known as living wills, let young adults express their healthcare preferences if they are unable to communicate their wishes. As parents, encouraging your college-bound kids to complete these documents ensures that their medical treatment aligns with their values and beliefs, even when you are not physically present. This empowers your children to make decisions about life-sustaining treatments, organ donations, and other healthcare choices, providing them with a voice in their medical care.
As you bid farewell to your college-bound young adults, it’s essential to equip them with the necessary legal protection. Completing Durable Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives, and HIPAA documents not only provides peace of mind but also ensures that your children’s interests are safeguarded in unexpected situations. Encourage open discussions about these legal documents, emphasizing the importance of having a proactive approach to healthcare and decision-making. By taking these steps, you empower your college-bound kids to face the future with confidence, knowing they have the necessary tools in place to protect their well-being and uphold their wishes, no matter what life brings their way. So, add these vital legal documents for children going to college to your checklist, and rest assured that you’ve taken a crucial step in securing your children’s future.
The experienced team of attorneys here at Hemness Faller Elder Law, The Law Office formerly known as Emma Hemness, P.A., are here for you and your family and we want to be YOUR estate planning and elder law attorneys. After all, we are ordinary people, providing extraordinary guidance backed by years of experience and advocacy for the vulnerable citizens in our community. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting.
