Turning 18 is a big milestone. Your child is officially an adult — ready to take on the world, start their college journey, and experience new independence. But here’s what most families don’t realize: Once your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic legal authority to access their medical, financial, or educational information.
That means:
If they’re in the hospital, doctors may not be able to speak to you.
If there’s a banking or tuition issue, the school or bank might refuse to talk to you.
If you need to see their grades, financial aid info, or disciplinary records, federal law (FERPA) may block access — even if you’re paying the tuition bill.
Before & After Age 18: What Changes for Parents
| Medical Decisions | ||
| Before Age 18 (Minor Child) Parents can make all medical decisions and access all medical information. |
After Age 18 (Young Adult) Parents cannot make decisions or access medical records without consent. |
Solution in the College Care Plan Medical Power of Attorney with HIPAA Authorization gives a named agent authority to make decisions and receive medical information. |
| Healthcare Provider Communication | ||
| Before Age 18 (Minor Child) Doctors and hospitals can speak freely with parents. |
After Age 18 (Young Adult) HIPAA privacy laws block providers from sharing information with parents. |
Solution in the College Care Plan Integrated HIPAA Authorization allows providers to share records and updates. |
| Financial Matters | ||
| Before Age 18 (Minor Child) Parents can handle banking, leases, tuition payments, and bills. |
After Age 18 (Young Adult) Banks, landlords, and service providers will not speak to parents without legal authority. |
Solution in the College Care Plan Financial Power of Attorney gives an agent authority to manage financial and administrative matters. |
| Educational Records | ||
| Before Age 18 (Minor Child) Parents can see grades, transcripts, and disciplinary records. |
After Age 18 (Young Adult) FERPA prohibits release of grades, disciplinary, or financial aid info without the student’s consent. |
Solution in the College Care Plan FERPA Authorization permits access to selected educational records and communications. |
| Emergency Situations | ||
| Before Age 18 (Minor Child) Parents can act immediately in any crisis. |
After Age 18 (Young Adult) Parents may face delays or need a court order to step in. |
Solution in the College Care Plan College Care Plan documents ensure immediate authority to act. |
That’s why our law firm created the College Care Plan — a set of essential legal documents that ensures your college-aged child has trusted help when they need it most.
What’s Included in the College Care Plan
Our College Care Plan is designed for young, unmarried adults — typically college students — and includes:
- Financial Power of Attorney
Lets your student name an agent (often a parent) to handle financial and administrative matters, from banking to lease agreements to tuition payments. - Medical Power of Attorney with HIPAA Authorization
Combines two critical protections in one document:- Medical Power of Attorney — Allows a trusted agent to make medical decisions if your student is unable to speak for themselves.
- HIPAA Authorization — Permits healthcare providers to share medical information with the individuals your student chooses.
- FERPA Authorization for Release of Educational Records Gives access to important educational records, including grades, financial aid, housing, and certain campus health records — something a Power of Attorney alone does not cover.
Why It Matters
Emergencies are unpredictable. Whether it’s a sudden illness, a car accident, or a problem with a student account, these documents give you the legal tools to act quickly — without waiting for court orders or struggling with red tape.
How It Works
- Schedule a short meeting with your student (and with you, if desired).
- We explain each document in plain language and help your student choose the right agents.
- We prepare and execute the documents so they’re legally valid in your student’s home state.
- We provide secure storage and tips for keeping copies accessible — including digital wallet options for instant access in an emergency.
Peace of Mind for You, Protection for Them
Sending your child to college is exciting — and a little nerve-wracking. The College Care Plan ensures that if the unexpected happens, you can step in to help without delay.
📅 Now is the perfect time to prepare — before your student moves into the dorms or starts classes.
Contact us today to schedule your College Care Plan appointment and give your family the gift of peace of mind. P.S. We are happy to meet with your student via Zoom!
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