It’s that time of year that can be emotional, exciting, and stressful. Our children are off to college, maybe for the first time or returning for their final year. For parents, it’s often a time filled with important questions like “Should we turn their bedroom into a home office or hobby room?”
All kidding aside, it’s a wonderful time for everyone. Seeing your son or daughter take the next steps in their journey is bittersweet. You are happy for them while hopeful you did everything you could to prepare them to navigate life independently.
Last fall, I shared an article from Kiplinger’s website that stressed the urgency of having both medical and financial powers of attorney signed before your child leaves for college. I’ve provided a link to that article below for those who want more info, but the main takeaway is: that this is not something you can afford to put off.
YOU MIGHT BE THE PARENTS, BUT THAT DOESN’T GIVE YOU LEGAL RIGHTS
Here’s the stark reality. If your adult child away at school (or here at home) becomes incapacitated or is hospitalized for any reason, the medical facility cannot legally offer any information about their condition. Can you imagine the stress and worry? But if, before they leave, you make arrangements to draw up a medical power of attorney, you will have the authority to make medical decisions for your child if they are unable to do so. And you will be given the information you need by the healthcare providers.
Other legal documents, such as a financial power of attorney and perhaps a living will, should also be considered. The following is the link to the complete article: https://davidlefton.com/why-you-need-medical-financial-powers-of-attorney-for-your-high-school-grad/
I hope you are enjoying a happy and healthy summer.
Very best regards,
David