At this time of year, there are millions of students attending college across the country. Some still live at home while many are living on or off a far-away campus.
But just because they are your kids (or Grandchildren) doesn’t mean you (the parents) have any legal rights after they turn age 18.
Now I’m not a lawyer (nor do I play one on TV), but estate planning attorney Jane Wolk said in a recent article in Investment News magazine, that once a child is 18, he “is legally a stranger to his parents”. That could wreak havoc in a medical emergency.
She suggests that students age 18 or older – and even unmarried adult age children – should consent to their parents having these three forms signed and in the parents’ possession for emergency use.
What are these 3 vitally important documents?
1) a medical power of attorney (health care proxy) allows the parent to make medical decisions when the child is incapable
2) and a HIPPA release gives parent’s permission to speak with doctors, hospitals about the child patient
3) a durable power of attorney to enable parents to get access to financial info, grades, etc.
Of course, numbers 1 and 2 are critical to have in a medical emergency. She suggests keeping the originals in a safe and having PDF copies stored digitally for immediate access anywhere.
We’ve all heard stories of kids in coma’s or unable to make medical decisions and of course as a parent, we all want full information on any medical situation that may arise and the ability to make medical decisions when our kids are unable to.
Please forward this post to everyone that has children/grandchildren in college or are unmarried – not matter what their age. Taking steps now will be of untold value in a medical emergency.
all the best… Mark