Legal Powers: Prepare Your Child for College

Off-to-college checklist: dorm and study supplies, clothes, personal items, computer and printer, headphones, cellphone and other electronics, debit card, medical and financial powers of attorney… Stop. What? Along with other things necessary for a move to college, your student should have medical and personal powers of attorney (POA).

MEDICAL POA

Without a medical POA, if your adult child is hurt in an accident or becomes ill, the campus medical center or hospital staff is legally prevented from providing any information about their condition to you or any other friends or family members. Also, you cannot make important medical decisions on behalf of your child.

FINANCIAL POA

A financial POA lets your unmarried children authorize you to handle their financial transactions when they are unable to do so. As their agent, you can sign documents, pay bills from their accounts, file tax returns, monitor investments, deposit checks, and handle other transactions. Your legal professional can execute POAs for your child.