Sending a child off to college is a big moment for any family. There’s excitement, pride, and maybe a few nerves as your young adult steps into a new chapter. Along with shopping for dorm supplies and packing up the car, it’s also a good time to think about a few important legal and practical details that can make life a lot smoother for everyone.
If you want a handy resource to keep track of everything, be sure to download our free “Heading Off to College Checklist.” It’s packed with all the essentials to help you and your student feel prepared.
Why Legal Planning Matters When Your Child Turns 18
Turning 18 is a milestone. Suddenly, your child is considered a legal adult. This means parents no longer have automatic access to things like medical information, financial accounts, or even college grades. Without the right paperwork, helping out in an emergency or just staying in the loop can get tricky.
A little planning now can save a lot of stress later.
Essential Checklist for College-Bound Young Adults
FERPA Release
Colleges can’t share your student’s academic records without permission. Submitting a FERPA release to the school’s admin office before classes start makes it much easier to get information if you ever need it.
HIPAA Authorization
Doctors and hospitals need a signed HIPAA form to talk with you about your child’s health. Keep a copy handy, and make sure your student has one too, just in case.
Durable Financial Power of Attorney
This document lets you help manage your child’s finances if needed—paying bills, handling bank accounts, or sorting out any money issues that pop up. It’s smart to review this every year to keep it current.
Advance Healthcare Directive or Healthcare Power of Attorney
If your child can’t make medical decisions, this paperwork allows you to step in. It’s worth having a conversation about wishes and preferences before anything happens.
Phone Number Exchange and Emergency Contacts
Sharing emergency contacts with roommates and setting up a basic safety plan can make a big difference if something unexpected comes up.
A Will
Even if your student doesn’t have much, a simple will can cover digital accounts and personal wishes. It’s also a great way to start a conversation about responsibility and planning for the future.
Open a Joint Bank Account
A joint account makes it easier to handle deposits, shared expenses, or emergencies. Setting up account alerts can help everyone keep an eye on things.
Emergency Wallet Card
A card with contact info and any important medical details should be kept in a wallet and updated regularly.
Venmo or PayPal Account
Digital payment apps are handy for sending money in a pinch. Having a backup method is a good idea, just in case there’s ever a hiccup.
Getting Ready for a Confident Start
Taking care of these details now means fewer surprises down the road. It’s all about making sure your student is set up for success and you have peace of mind, knowing you can help if needed.
Want to make sure everything’s covered?
Download our free checklist and schedule a consultation to get these safeguards in place so you can send your college student off with confidence.
