Prepare for any emergency: legal documents for young adults before college
When your child turns 18, they’re legally an adult — which means you may lose the ability to access their medical records, make healthcare decisions, or help with financial matters in an emergency. Before they leave for college, a small set of legal documents gives you the authority to step in when it matters most. This page walks you through exactly what’s needed and how to get it done in minutes.
Find the right form
General Durable Power of Attorney for Property and Finances or Financial Effective Immediately
Authorize someone to manage your finances at any time, even if you become incapacitated.
General Durable Power of Attorney for Property and Finances or Financial Effective upon Disability
Grant broad powers to your chosen agent to manage your finances and property, even if you become disabled.
Statutory Power of Attorney Form
Authorize someone you trust to manage decisions about your property and finances when you can't.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
Authorize someone to make health care decisions on your behalf when you're unable to do so, ensuring your treatment preferences are respected.
Living Will or Declaration concerning the use of life sustaining treatment
Specify your wishes about life-sustaining treatment in case of terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness, ensuring your preferences are respected.
FERPA Consent to Release Student Information
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is used to protect the privacy of personally identifiable information in a student’s education record. FERPA serves a two-fold purpose: (1) to grant parents (and students 18 or older) access to information in the student’s education record, and (2) to protect that information from disclosure to third parties without parental consent.
Ohio Release and Authorization
Authorize healthcare providers to share your medical information with designated individuals for treatment or billing purposes, ensuring your privacy and rights.
Ohio Release and Authorization
Authorize the sharing of your health information with specified individuals or organizations, granting access to your complete medical records when needed.
Why every college student needs these documents before move-in day
HIPAA privacy laws block hospitals from sharing your child’s medical records the moment they become a legal adult — even in a life-threatening situation. A Healthcare Power of Attorney restores your ability to step in and advocate for them.
If your student is studying out of state and needs help managing a bank account, lease, or financial aid issue, a Durable Financial Power of Attorney authorizes you to act on their behalf — without delays or court involvement.
Under FERPA, universities cannot share grades, academic records, or enrollment information with parents unless the student has signed a written release. One simple form ensures you stay informed when it matters.
Get the right protection in 3 simple steps
FAQs
Once your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic legal authority to make medical or financial decisions for them. A Power of Attorney is a legal document in which your student grants you — or another trusted adult — the authority to act on their behalf if they are incapacitated, abroad, or simply unable to handle something themselves. Without it, parents can be completely locked out during an emergency, and courts may need to appoint a guardian — a slow and expensive process.
Not sure which forms you need?
Search our full library of state-specific documents for young adults — from powers of attorney to HIPAA releases and FERPA waivers. Filter by state to see exactly what’s valid where your student will be living and studying.