🎓 The Forgotten College Supply: Legal Documents

You bought the XL twin sheets.
You loaded the minivan with cases of ramen, a Brita filter, and three crates of unnecessary dorm decor.
You sobbed in the Target parking lot after drop-off.

But guess what you didn’t pack?

👉 A power of attorney.
👉 A HIPAA release.
👉 A simple estate plan.

Let’s talk about it.

"They’re 18. They’re adults. They’ve got it."

Wrong. They’re legally adults, sure. Emotionally? Still texting you to ask how to use the washing machine.

Here’s the kicker:
Once your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic access to their medical records, their financial accounts, or even the right to make decisions if they’re in an accident.
Yes, even if you still pay for their tuition, phone, and Uber Eats habit.

Real Talk: What Could Go Wrong?

• They end up in the ER.
  You get a call from a roommate, but the hospital won’t tell you a damn thing. No updates. No info. Because—wait for it—you don’t have a signed HIPAA release.

• They study abroad and need to access a U.S. bank account.
  Without a financial power of attorney? You’re locked out, and so are they.

• They get into legal trouble.
  We’re not even going to pretend that college students always make wise choices. A general durable power of attorney can give you authority to help navigate a mess without waiting on the court.

This Isn't a “Just Rich People” Thing

It’s not about assets.
It’s about access.
Access to medical records, decision-making power in an emergency, and the legal ability to step in when your kid is 500 miles away and has no clue what to do.

The Solution: Easy, Inexpensive, and Worth It

Here’s your College Essentials Checklist (the one that won’t fit in a dorm bin):

✅ Durable Power of Attorney
✅ HIPAA Authorization
✅ Health Care Proxy (with living will language)
✅ FERPA Waiver (for academic records access)
✅ Basic Will or Trust if needed (yes, even if it’s just for their car and $420 in a checking account)

Final Thought

Don’t wait until you’re panicking on a Zoom call with a hospital administrator who won’t tell you if your kid’s okay.

Get the documents now.
Talk to an estate planning attorney.
And send them off to college with peace of mind—not just extra socks.