Before They Head to College: The Legal Documents Every 18-Year-Old Should Have

Nicole Marzzacco, Esq. (717) 221-7977, nmarzzacco@tuckerlaw.com 

Sending an 18‑year‑old off to college is a milestone — exciting, emotional, and a little chaotic. But there’s one task most families don’t realize they need to handle before move‑in day: making sure their new adult has the right powers of attorney in place.

Here’s the truth up front: Once your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic legal authority to help them in a medical emergency, access important information, or step in during a crisis — unless a Power of Attorney is in place, naming you as their agent.

1. Medical Emergencies Don’t Wait for Permission

College life comes with late‑night study sessions, sports injuries, illnesses, and the occasional accident. If your child is unconscious or unable to communicate, doctors may be legally barred from speaking with you.

A Healthcare Directive fixes that. An executed Healthcare Directive allows you to:

• Speak with doctors
• Access medical updates
• Make decisions if your child can’t
• Avoid delays in urgent care

Without these documents, you may not even be alerted by the hospital that your child is there.

2. Financial and Practical Issues Still Need a Parent’s Help

Even the most responsible 18‑year‑old occasionally needs backup. A Durable Financial Power of Attorney lets you help with:

• Replacing a lost debit card
• Managing tuition or housing payments
• Handling financial aid issues
• Dealing with banks or landlords
• Signing documents if they’re abroad or unavailable

3. Study Abroad Complicates Everything

If your child is traveling internationally, having powers of attorney becomes even more critical. Time zones, language barriers, and foreign medical systems make it harder to help them in an emergency. These documents ensure you can act quickly from thousands of miles away.

 5. Peace of Mind for Everyone

Powers of attorney make sure that if an emergency arises, you can help.

The Bottom Line

Before your 18‑year‑old packs the car and heads back to campus, take an hour to get these documents in place:

• Healthcare Power of Attorney
• Durable Financial Power of Attorney

It’s one of the simplest, smartest ways to protect your child during one of the most exciting — and unpredictable — chapters of their life.

Before your student heads off to college, make sure they’re prepared for more than just classes and dorm life. Nicole Marzzacco can help your family establish the essential legal documents that provide peace of mind and ensure you’re able to help if an emergency arises. Contact Nicole at (717) 221-7977 or nmarzzacco@tuckerlaw.com today to get started.