Every College Student Needs A Power of Attorney
A parent’s job is never done, but things get more complicated when kids head off to college.
Every college kid needs linens, toiletries, books, and computers before they arrive on campus. Every parent needs a signed power of attorney before they drop their college student off on campus.
Most 18-year-olds are considered legal adults, which means parents are no longer entitled to make decisions on their behalf. Which is why parents are increasingly having their college students sign medical and financial power of attorney (“POAs”).
“Your child may be an adult
in the eyes of the law—but without
a signed power of attorney, your hands
could be tied in an emergency.”
POAs are legal documents that every parent should have their 18-year-old sign, which would give the parent authority to access medical records and financial records. Without POAs, parents may not be able to help their college student in need. Under privacy laws, parents will no longer have the right to make medical or financial decisions on behalf of their college students, regardless of who is paying the tuition.
Countless parents have been awoken by news that their children are being taken to the hospital, and upon requesting information, they have been denied because they do not have the power of attorney.
Here are four legal documents every college student needs to avoid this situation.
Health Care Power of Attorney — authorizes the agent (Illinois allows one agent acting at a single time) to obtain medical records and act on behalf of the college student (the principal) if they cannot on their own behalf.
Power of Attorney for Property– authorizes the agent (Illinois allows one agent acting at a single time) to conduct financial matters such as student loans or investment accounts, without the college student (the principal) being present.
HIPAA Release — authorizes the designated individuals (not limited to one) to access their private health information and discuss their medical care.
FERPA Release — authorizes a college or university to share a student’s records with third parties.
About the Author:
Rigas P. Pappas, Licensed to Practice: IL, FL, IN, TX, & CO
Breakwater Law PLLC
(630) 335-9295 | www.thebwlaw.com
Illinois Office – 17W729 A Roosevelt Rd, Oakbrook Terrace
Florida Office – 2500 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 220, Naples
![Aili Flannery’s award-winning sculpture, “Process,” was made of copper, string, copper wire, glass beads, glass, rust-stained fabric, lace, turmeric sun-printed paper, and thread. It represents “the timeline of having depression to the process of healing,” Flannery explained, and the theme is rooted in her own experiences. “‘Start’ shows up again at the end [of the piece], because I was ready to start healing and to continue living.”](https://dupagemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/26-1-DG-Scholastic-Art-Writing-Awards.jpg "26-1 DG Scholastic Art & Writing Awards")
