Why are legal documents important?

Once a student turns 18, parents no longer have automatic access to medical, legal, or academic information. Having the right documents in place lets parents or guardians communicate with doctors and universities and step in during emergencies without unnecessary barriers.

What paperwork is needed for college?

Four key documents help families handle medical, academic, and financial issues: a Health Care Power of Attorney, a HIPAA Authorization, a Financial (Durable) Power of Attorney, and a FERPA waiver.

What are the four documents?

Health Care Power of Attorney, HIPAA Authorization, Financial Power of Attorney (Durable), and a FERPA waiver.

Why Every College Student Needs Four Legal Documents

Postsecondary Success

Jul 17

Written By Lynne Fuller

When your child turns 18, everything changes, legally speaking.

You have spent nearly two decades keeping them safe, guiding their decisions, and being there when they need you most. But once your teen becomes a legal adult, you may no longer have automatic access to help in medical, legal, or academic emergencies, even if they are still living at home or financially dependent on you. Just like an insurance policy, it is wise to have these documents signed to make it easier to communicate with doctors and universities in case of an emergency.

That is why one of the most important things you can do when your child turns 18 is to have them sign four key legal documents. These documents ensure that you, as a parent or guardian, can step in when it matters most.

Let’s break down what these documents are, why they matter, and why MamaBear Legal Forms is the trusted resource we chose. It only takes 10 minutes, and you can even use my promo code ‘CollegeMama20’ for 20% off. Click here to begin!

Incorporating these legal forms for young adults ensures student emergency preparedness from unforeseen hospital visits to sudden academic issues. Think of it as young adult legal planning that prevents unnecessary barriers between you and your child when they need help most.

1. Health Care Power of Attorney (Medical POA)- Medical Authorization Form

This document allows your child to legally appoint someone (typically a parent) to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are ever incapacitated or unable to communicate.

Why it’s crucial:
Without this, hospitals and doctors may be unable to release medical information to you or let you make decisions, even in an emergency.

This medical authorization form is essential for any student living away from home. It ensures parents or legal guardians can step in when a crisis hits, and consent must be given quickly.

2. HIPAA Authorization

HIPAA laws protect your child’s private health information. Once your child turns 18, medical providers can’t share any of their information with you unless they have signed this release. There was an incident at a university where a student was administered Narcan, and the family was not notified. Unfortunately, the next experience with drugs became fatal. Without an authorization form signature, it is difficult to receive direct information.

Why it’s crucial:

Even if your child is unconscious in a hospital, doctors can’t legally tell you anything about their condition without this signed document. We had this happen recently when a student hit their head and had a brain bleed. As a result of not signing the forms, the student’s roommate became the conduit of information from the doctors to the parents.

This is key to maintaining HIPAA compliance while still allowing vital updates to be shared with parents. It's also a must-have for complete student emergency preparedness.

3. Financial Power of Attorney (Durable POA) – Financial Authorization Form

This lets your child authorize someone to manage their finances if needed. This can include paying bills, managing bank accounts, or signing tax documents.

Why it’s crucial:
If your child is studying abroad, in the hospital, or otherwise unavailable, you will need this to handle financial matters on their behalf. When a family member broke both of her legs in Prague, family members flew to meet her in the hospital to support her and cover the hospital bills. Luckily, because they had travel insurance, this helped offset the cost of surgery, but there were forms to sign to ensure that the cost was covered.

This financial authorization form is a cornerstone of college parental access. Without it, tasks like accessing student bank accounts or resolving tuition payments become time-consuming and legally complicated.

4. FERPA Waiver

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) prevents colleges and universities from sharing your child’s academic records or grades with you unless your child signs a waiver.

Why it’s crucial:
Even if you're footing the bill, the school can legally withhold academic information unless you have this waiver. It is best to sign it so that the investment that the family is making together is communicated effectively.

A student records release also supports FERPA compliance, allowing smooth communication between families and institutions. These parent-student legal forms are especially important if a student is struggling academically or needs support.

Why We Chose MamaBear Legal Forms

After researching various legal platforms, MamaBear Legal Forms stood out as the most family-focused, affordable, and easy-to-use solution. Here’s why:

Designed for Families: MamaBear understands the legal gaps that emerge when children turn 18 and offers bundled forms specifically for young adults and their parents.
Easy to Use: Their online process is simple and guided. No legal jargon, no stress, just clear steps to get the right documents done.
Legally Compliant in All 50 States: Each document is tailored to your state’s specific laws, ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.
Covers Full Scope of Legal Needs: From power of attorney for students to student legal rights, MamaBear ensures you’ve covered every essential base.
Affordable: For a small one-time fee, you get professional-quality documents without paying attorney rates.
Instant Access: Once completed, documents are immediately downloadable and ready to be signed and notarized.

Beyond these four core documents, families should also consider adult consent forms for travel, study abroad programs, and special medical procedures. These additions round out your child’s college readiness documents.

A Simple Step That Could Make a Huge Difference

No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios. But having these documents in place is about being prepared and giving your child the safety net they may not even know they need yet.

As a parent, I don’t want to be told, “I’m sorry, we can’t give you that information.” I want to be ready to help, without legal red tape standing in the way.

If your child is about to head off to college, start a job, or has just turned 18, take 15 minutes to get these forms signed.

👉 Get started today with MamaBear Legal Forms to ensure you have the necessary documents that empower you to step in when medical or financial emergencies happen and make decisions on their behalf when they can't. Prepare to keep them safe, like you always have, with a Young. Adult Power of Attorney bundle from Mama Bear Legal Forms. It only takes 10 minutes, and you can even use my promo code ‘CollegeMama20’ for 20% off. Click here to begin!