Estate Planning for Young Adults: A Must-Have Before College

It’s graduation season, which marks the exciting ending to one chapter and the beginning of a new one. When preparing to send your child off to college, there’s a lot on your to-do list—buying dorm essentials, registering for classes, setting up a meal plan. However, one crucial item that’s often overlooked is estate planning.

If your child is 18 or older it’s essential they have key legal documents in place. They are now considered a legal adult, which means you, as a parent, no longer have automatic access to their medical or financial information in an emergency. This can be frightening for parents when their child is miles away.

What do they need?

That’s why it’s essential to ensure your college-bound student has key legal documents in place before leaving home:

1. Georgia Advance Directive for Healthcare – This allows your child to name a healthcare agent (usually a parent) to make medical decisions on their behalf if they cannot do so. A HIPAA release is included in this document. Without it, you may be unable to access crucial medical information, and doctors may not be able to speak with you, even in an emergency.
2. Durable Financial Power of Attorney – This authorizes a trusted person to manage financial matters, such as banking, tuition payments, or handling legal documents, if your child is unable to do so.

These documents are easy to overlook, but they’re critical for protecting your child’s well-being and ensuring you can help them when they need it most. Just as you prepare them with school supplies and life advice, prepare them with the right legal tools. Estate planning isn’t just for the elderly—it starts at 18.

What is your next step? 

Hurley Elder Care Law provides estate planning for adults of all ages. Call us today at 404-843-0121 to schedule a consultation to address your family’s estate planning needs.