My Kid Went to College and Took Their Legal Rights With Them! Why Your College-Aged Child Needs a Power of Attorney
Sending your child off to college comes with a lot of emotions—pride, excitement, and let’s be honest, a little bit of panic. You’ve packed the mini fridge, bought the extra-long twin sheets, and warned them about doing laundry before they run out of socks.
But there’s one thing most families forget:
Once your child turns 18, you (legally) can’t speak for them anymore.
Not in a medical emergency. Not for their bank account. Not for their school records. Not even if you’re still footing the tuition bill.
Wait, What Do You Mean I Can’t Just Step In?
That’s right—once your child becomes a legal adult (which is age 18 in both Kansas and Missouri), your parental rights don’t magically continue. HIPAA and privacy laws kick in, and hospitals, banks, and even colleges legally cannot give you access to your child’s information without their written consent.
So, what happens if your child is in an accident and ends up in the ER—and can’t speak for themselves? Or if there’s a financial crisis and they need help managing their accounts? Or if you’re trying to get information about a tuition bill and the school says, “Sorry, we can’t release that”?
You could be stuck.
Unless your child signs a Power of Attorney.
Two Documents Every College Student Should Sign
Before your child leaves for school (or comes home for fall break!), talk to them about signing two very important legal documents:
1.Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
This allows you to handle things like banking, taxes, housing leases, and financial aid paperwork if they’re unable or unavailable to do it themselves. You don’t have to use it, but it’s there if something goes wrong.
2.Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (and HIPAA Release)
This document gives you the legal right to make medical decisions for your child if they’re incapacitated, and to receive health updates from doctors and hospitals. Most schools have their own HIPAA form too—but the power of attorney goes further.
Is This Overkill?
Not at all. These aren’t just for worst-case scenarios. They’re for peace of mind. Think of them as part of your college packing checklist, right between “snacks” and “printer ink.”
Accidents happen. Illnesses happen. And if they do, having these documents already signed could save you time, frustration, and heartache—not to mention a trip to court.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an adult comes with new responsibilities. For your college-aged child, that includes deciding who they trust to step in during an emergency. A power of attorney is a simple, affordable way to make sure someone they love—and who likely still does their laundry—can help when it counts.
This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact a licensed attorney in your area.