College Prep Includes Legal issues

It’s a good idea for you to get a power of attorney, a health care proxy and a will for children who are heading off to college. The power of attorney can allow you to help with bill payments, lost credit cards and other issues. The proxy can let you make medical decisions for your children if the children are unconscious.

And a will can address the child’s wishes concerning life-prolonging medical treatment, disposition of assets and organ donation. What many people don’t realize is that once your child is 18, they are legally an adult so a hospital cannot provide you information without authorization from the child, because they will run afoul of HIPAA rules.