For many families, the transition from high school to college feels like a milestone years in the making. Your child is heading off on their own, learning, growing, and taking their first real steps into adulthood.
And legally, that transition happens overnight.
At age 18, your child is no longer a minor. They can enter into contracts, take out loans, and, in Maryland, even own property. But with those new rights comes a significant shift that often surprises parents: you no longer have automatic authority to access their medical information or make decisions on their behalf.
That can become a real issue in an emergency.
Imagine your child is hospitalized while away at school. Without the proper documents in place, you may be unable to speak with doctors, access critical information, or make decisions, even if your child would want you to.
It is not a scenario anyone likes to consider, but it is one worth planning for.
Two simple documents can make all the difference:
- A Durable Financial Power of Attorney, allowing someone they trust to manage financial matters if needed
- Health Care Directives, which authorize access to medical information and decision-making in the event of incapacity
These documents are straightforward, but they provide clarity and peace of mind for both parents and students.
As you prepare for move-in day, class schedules, and everything else that comes with this exciting transition, taking a moment to put these protections in place can help ensure that, if something unexpected happens, you are able to step in and support your child when it matters most.
The attorneys at Rosenberg Martin Greenberg are available to assist with this process. For our current clients, this service is offered on a complimentary basis. Contact Charles Jones for more information.