Legal Planning for College-Bound Teens: What Parents Need to Know Before Move-In Day

Your teen is heading to college—you’re helping them pick classes, pack dorm essentials, and maybe even learning how to let go. But there’s one thing many Ohio parents overlook: once your child turns 18, you no longer have the legal right to help in an emergency.

Without proper legal documents, you could be blocked from accessing medical information, assisting in a financial crisis, or even helping them from afar. In this blog, we’ll walk through the simple but critical legal tools every parent should consider before their teen leaves for school.

Why Legal Access Ends at 18

Turning 18 is a legal milestone. Your teen is now considered an adult in the eyes of the law. That means your parental rights to manage their medical care, financial matters, or academic records no longer apply—even if they still live under your roof or are financially dependent on you.

Here’s what that means in practice:

• No access to medical records or doctors due to HIPAA regulations
• No right to make emergency medical decisions unless you have legal authority
• No control over financial matters like tuition payments, banking, or leases
• No access to academic records unless they provide permission (thanks to FERPA)

Three Essential Legal Documents for College Students

1. Medical Power of Attorney (Health Care POA)

This document authorizes a parent or trusted adult to make medical decisions on behalf of their college-aged child if they are unable to do so. Whether they’re unconscious, undergoing surgery, or facing a medical emergency, this ensures someone they trust can step in.

2. HIPAA Authorization

Even with a Health Care POA, your teen needs to sign a separate HIPAA form to allow medical providers to share information with you. Without it, doctors may legally withhold updates about their condition, treatment, or hospitalization.

3. Financial Power of Attorney

This gives you the ability to help manage your child’s finances if needed. That includes paying bills, handling bank transactions, managing tuition payments, or assisting with legal documents while they’re away at school or abroad. It’s especially important if your child is traveling, studying abroad, or moving out of state.

Common Questions from Parents

“Will I still be able to see their grades?” Not automatically. Under FERPA, your teen must give written consent for you to access academic records.

“Does this mean I can control their money?” No. A financial POA only grants permission to help—your child remains in full control unless they are unable to act.

“Can the documents be changed later?” Yes. POAs can be updated, revoked, or replaced at any time.

“What if my child is going to school out of state?” Your Ohio documents are still valid, but it’s a good idea to work with an attorney to ensure compliance with the laws in the state where they’ll be attending school.

When to Get This Done

The best time to complete these documents is before orientation or move-in day. Waiting until after an emergency or accident can make things much more difficult—or even impossible.

At Collins & Kruse Law Offices, we help families prepare with simple, student-friendly legal documents that provide peace of mind without overstepping your child’s independence.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead and Protect Your Teen

Sending your child off to college is a big transition. With the right legal protections in place, you can ensure that you’re able to help when it matters most—without interfering with their independence.

Contact Collins & Kruse Law Offices today to schedule a consultation and prepare your Power of Attorney package before the school year begins.