Essential Guide to Powers of Attorney for College-Bound Children

With the new school year approaching and your child heading off to college, you’ve likely completed many preparations to ensure a successful transition into this exciting new chapter. While packing bags and selecting courses are important tasks, it’s easy to overlook the significance of establishing a Power of Attorney (POA) for your child. In this blog post, we’ll explain why having a POA is an essential step in protecting your child’s welfare during their college years.  Here is our essential guide to Powers of Attorney for college-bound children.

What Is a Power Of Attorney?

Essentially, it’s a legal document that grants someone (known as the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) the authority to act on another person’s behalf (known as the “principal”) in legal, financial, and medical matters. For college-bound children, having a POA in place can provide peace of mind for both parents and their young adults.

Three Reasons Why Having a POA Is Important:

1. Medical Emergencies:  When your child leaves for college, they enter a new environment where unforeseen medical situations can arise. Without a POA, parents might face challenges in accessing critical medical information or making important decisions on behalf of their child. Having a medical POA allows you to be informed and involved in medical choices during emergencies, even when you cannot physically be present.
2. Financial Matters:  College life involves various financial responsibilities, from handling bank accounts to signing lease agreements. With a financial POA, you can assist your child with managing their finances, paying bills, and handling any legal or financial matters that may arise during their time away from home.
3. Legal Decision-Making:  As an adult, your child will be responsible for making their own legal decisions. However, situations may arise where your assistance is needed, such as signing legal documents or handling administrative matters. With a properly designed POA, you can continue to support your child in these situations, ensuring they have guidance and protection when needed.

Contact The Law Firm of Christopher W. Dumm

To ensure that your child’s desires and requirements are properly reflected in their Power of Attorney document, it is advisable to seek the help of a skilled attorney.  The Law Firm of Christopher W. Dumm is available to help you personalize your POA to address any specific situations your child may face while in college and to ensure that the document is in compliance with state laws. To find out more about how you can ensure your child’s protection and well-being during their college years, please contact The Law Firm of Christopher W. Dumm at 417-623-2062 or fill out the form below to get started.