When your kid turns 18, the law treats them as an adult, which means parents no longer have automatic authority to access medical information, make health care decisions, or manage financial matters.

When your child turns 18, the law treats them as an adult, which means parents no longer have automatic authority to access medical information, make health care decisions, or manage financial matters — even in an emergency. Having your college-aged kids sign a Durable Power of Attorney and a Health Care Power of Attorney ensures that someone they trust can step in if they’re injured, ill, studying abroad, or otherwise unable to act for themselves. These documents can allow a parent to speak with doctors, consent to treatment, handle banking issues, sign leases, or deal with insurance and school-related matters without costly delays or court involvement. While it’s not a conversation most families look forward to, putting these powers in place is a simple, inexpensive step that provides peace of mind and avoids chaos at exactly the moment your family needs clarity and support the most.

If you have kids who are off to college and want to talk about Powers of Attorney for them, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can help.