08/21/2026
Sending a college student back to school? If they’re 18+, add one more thing to the checklist...
Once your child turns 18, they’re legally an adult. That means Mom or Dad no longer automatically has the authority to handle certain financial or healthcare matters for them if something happens.
Before they head back to campus, consider having a few basic documents in place:
• Healthcare Power of Attorney – names someone to make healthcare decisions if they’re unable to
• Financial Power of Attorney – allows someone they trust to handle financial or legal matters when needed
• HIPAA Authorization – allows designated people to receive certain medical information
Laptop. Bedding. Meal plan. Legal documents. ✔️
Not quite as exciting as decorating the dorm room, but most definitely worth adding to the back-to-school list.
