My child is 18 years old and leaving for college in California. What type of legal documents should my child execute before he attends college?
Devon, who is 18 years old is going to be attending the University of Southern California. Although he will be residing in California during his school years, he will still remain a resident of Ohio. He has an Ohio driver license, he is registered to vote in Ohio and he does not intend to make California his permanent residence.
What necessary legal documents for college age students?
Anyone over 18 needs a Will, Living Will, Health Care Power of Attorney and Durable Financial Power of Attorney. Although an 18 year old does not have a lot of property, he will have tangible personal property such as his computer, furniture and bank accounts. He needs a Living Will so that in the event he is incapacitated, the parents can make final decisions. He needs a Health Care Power of Attorney so that in the event he is hospitalized, his parents can communicate with the hospital as to treatment. He needs a Durable Financial Power of Attorney so that his finances can be maintained if he is incapacitated.
REMEMBER, HIPPA and financial regulations on privacy will restrict your access to your child’s medical records, medical decisions, financial records and financial decisions without a guardianship in the event that Devon does not have the foregoing documents.
For more information on estate planning, please contact the elder law office of Browning & Meyer today.