When it comes to estate planning, we usually think of older adults. However, even college kids need an estate plan.
WDIO’s recent article entitled “Estate planning is for college students too” reminds us that there’s a number of documents you can put into place in the case of an emergency.
Power of Attorney. There are two types of POAs. The financial power of attorney allows a named agent to make financial decisions on behalf of the college student, in the event they are unable to do so. A medical power of attorney names a healthcare agent.
These can have HIPAA language written into them that authorizes their medical provider to release information about them. Remember, if your student travels away from home for college, you may need a POA for that state.
Will. A typical college student might not have a lot of money. However, they do have their own stuff, and someone needs to make the decision regarding what happens to that stuff. Ask the student to name the parents as the executor of his or her will.
FERPA Waiver. FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Without this waiver, a parent has no authority to call the college and request information about your student if they’re over 18. With a waiver, you can request a transcript and student loan information.
HIPAA Waiver. A HIPAA waiver allows an adult child’s health information to be disclosed. It’s usually for medical facilities, doctors, schools, or any other person where they are in possession of the health information of a person where that individual authorizes the release of the information to a designated person.
Even college kids need an estate plan and it does not have to be complicated. If you already have planning done for yourself, sit down with your estate planning attorney to discuss how you can begin the process for your college age student. If you would like to learn more about estate planning for young adults, please visit our previous posts.
Reference: WDIO (Sep. 28, 2022) “Estate planning is for college students too”
Photo by Stanley Morales
