There Is One College Essential Most Families Forget

It is back to school time for many young adults and for parents, preparing your young adult for college often means checking off a long list of important tasks. You purchase school supplies, arrange housing, register for classes, and make sure they have everything they need to succeed.

There is one item, however, that is often missing from every college checklist.

A Durable Power of Attorney.

Many parents have never considered whether their college-aged child (young adult) should have a durable power of attorney. In reality, it is one of the most important legal documents a young adult can sign after turning 18.

While no one likes to think about emergencies, planning ahead can make all the difference if your young adult is ever unable to manage important financial or legal matters on their own.

What Is a Durable Power of Attorney?

A Durable Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows an adult to appoint someone they trust to act on their behalf in certain financial and legal matters.

The individual creating the document is known as the principal. The individual chosen to act on their behalf is called the agent.

For many young adults, that trusted person is a parent or guardian.

A Durable Power of Attorney does not mean your young adult is giving up control of their finances or independence. Instead, it creates a legal plan so someone they trust can help if they are ever unable to handle certain matters themselves.

Why Does This Matter After Age 18?

Once your child turns 18, they become a legal adult despite maybe being reliant on their parents for guidance and financial support.

Even though you may still be paying tuition, helping with living expenses, or supporting them financially, you generally do not have automatic authority to handle financial or legal matters on their behalf. For all legal purposes, they are an adult – a very young adult but a recognized adult under the law.

Without a Durable Power of Attorney, you may not be able to assist with certain situations if your child becomes seriously ill or is temporarily unable to act for themselves. Some colleges also refuse to even tell you (their parent) what the outstanding tuition is, even if you are the one paying the bill!

Having the proper legal documents in place before they leave for college can help avoid unnecessary delays during an emergency and can make it easier for you to assist and for them to accept your assistance.

What Can a Durable Power of Attorney Do?

Every Durable Power of Attorney is unique and should be tailored to the individual’s needs.

Depending on how the document is prepared, it may authorize a trusted person to assist with matters such as:

• Banking transactions
• Paying bills, including tuition at college
• Managing financial accounts
• Handling insurance matters
• Signing legal documents
• Communicating with financial institutions

The exact powers granted depend on the language of the document and Florida law.

An experienced estate planning attorney can explain what authority is appropriate for your young adult’s circumstances.

A Realistic Example

Imagine your young adult is attending college several hours away from home.

While riding a bicycle across campus, your young adult is involved in an accident that leaves him/her hospitalized for several weeks.

During his recovery, bills still need to be paid. Insurance paperwork needs attention. Important financial matters cannot simply be put on hold.

If your young adult previously signed a Durable Power of Attorney, the person he/she selected would be able to assist with these responsibilities while your young adult focuses on recovering.

Without one, helping may become much more complicated.

Independence and Preparation Can Exist Together

Some young adults hesitate when they hear the words “Power of Attorney.”

They worry it means someone else will take over their finances or make decisions for them.

That is not what this document is intended to do.

A Durable Power of Attorney is simply a way for your young adult to choose someone they trust before an emergency occurs.

They remain in control of their decisions while they are able to make them.

Planning ahead does not reduce independence. It supports responsible adulthood by preparing for life’s unexpected moments.

Pair a Durable Power of Attorney with a Health Care Surrogate

A Durable Power of Attorney is just one part of preparing your young adult for life after high school.

Another important document is a Designation of Health Care Surrogate.

While a Durable Power of Attorney addresses certain financial and legal matters, a Health Care Surrogate allows your child to choose who can make medical decisions if they cannot communicate their wishes.

Together, these documents help create a comprehensive plan that protects your young adult while respecting their independence.

Add Legal Planning to Your College Checklist

As your young adult prepares for college, your checklist may include:

• Final tuition payments
• Dorm room supplies
• Class registration
• Meal plans
• Laptop and school technology
• Transportation arrangements

Consider adding two more important items:

• Designation of Health Care Surrogate
• Durable Power of Attorney

These simple legal documents can provide peace of mind for both the young adult and parents.

Most families hope they never need them.

If the unexpected happens, however, having them in place can make an already difficult situation much easier to manage.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every legal matter is unique. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.

Help Your College Student Prepare for Adulthood

Turning 18 is an exciting milestone that comes with new opportunities and new responsibilities.

Creating a Durable Power of Attorney before leaving for college is one thoughtful step that allows your young adult to prepare for the unexpected while remaining in control of their future.

At Melanson Law PA, we help Florida families navigate life’s important transitions through personalized estate planning.

Whether your young adult is heading to college, starting a new career, or entering adulthood, we can help you prepare the legal documents that provide confidence and peace of mind.