The Legal Documents Parents of College Students Often Forget

Back-to-school season looks different once your child turns 18. You’re helping them move into a dorm, buying textbooks, maybe teaching them how to do laundry… but there’s one thing many families overlook: the legal side of adulthood.

Once your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic access to their medical, financial, or academic information. That can cause stressful roadblocks if there’s ever an emergency.

The good news? A few simple documents can give you the peace of mind you need.

1. Medical Power of Attorney (Health Care Proxy)

If your student is in an accident or becomes ill, doctors may not be able to discuss their condition with you. A Medical POA allows your child to name someone (often a parent) to make decisions if they’re unable.

2. HIPAA Release

Even with a POA, medical providers can’t share details without written permission. A HIPAA release authorizes doctors to disclose health information to you.

3. Durable Power of Attorney (Financial)

If your student is studying abroad, traveling, or simply needs help with financial tasks, this document lets you assist with banking, taxes, or other official matters.

Why These Documents Matter

No parent wants to imagine a crisis, but being prepared can make all the difference. These forms don’t take long to complete, and many require notarization to be valid. By taking care of this now, you give your student freedom while protecting them in emergencies.

At Precision Notary, I help families notarize the paperwork that keeps life moving smoothly. If you’d like an easy, affordable option to obtain these essential documents check out the Powers Package from Everything Living Trust.

Ready to sign these documents? I provide mobile notary services throughout Kitsap County and Remote Online Notarization for families across the U.S.

DISCLOSURES:

Precision Notary and its employees are not attorneys licensed to practice law in this state. We are not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities.

This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my link, at no cost to you.

All legal documents offered are provided by Everything Living Trust. 

Document translation & interpretation services are provided by Idiomatic Language Services.