As summer draws to an end, many parents and grandparents are selecting gifts for loved ones headed off to college. While many consider new computers, phones, or tablets, one gift that is overlooked is a Power of Attorney. I know, this probably isn’t the gift they are hoping for, but it may be the gift that they need.
Most departing freshman have recently turned 18 years old. For the first time in their lives, they are entitled to privacy and protections they may not be aware of or expect. A set of powers of attorney can help them be prepared for the unexpected and continue to allow their parents to help them with their day to day financial and medical needs as they may already be accustomed.
A financial power of attorney can allow a parent to continue to do business on their child’s behalf at a local bank that may not have a branch where the new freshman is attending school.
Up until now, their parents have been able to discuss medical issues with their doctors, and even though they can remain on their parent’s insurance till they are 23, after turning 18, HIPPA prevents parents from speaking to their son or daughter’s doctor without some form of medical power of attorney.
Finally, a Medical Power of Attorney comes with a Living Will or Advance Medical Directive. This document asks the subject person how they would like to be treated if they are in a terminal condition, a persistent vegetative state, and/or an end-stage condition and cannot make decisions for themselves.
No one likes to think about their own death, but sometimes a dose of reality is a healthy pill to swallow for someone ready to take on the world. If you or your child would like to discuss these documents in more detail, contact us at Sinclair Prosser Gasior for an appointment.
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