10/20/2026
Now that the college kids have settled into the semester, we figured it’s time to rip off the Band-Aid. It’s official, you’re an adult.
Turning 18 comes with a new level of independence, and a few legal considerations worth planning for. Here are three documents every college student and their family should know about:
1. Health Care Power of Attorney: Designates someone to make medical decisions if you can’t.
2. HIPAA Authorization: Allows designated individuals to access certain medical information when needed.
3. Durable Power of Attorney: Gives someone you trust the authority to handle certain financial or legal matters on your behalf.
You may be gaining independence, but that doesn’t mean you have to navigate the unexpected alone. A little preparation now can go a long way.