Every one who has ever raised children knows that their job as a parent does not end when the child goes off to college. Most children still need financial support in college and most parents give it to them to the extent possible, A key aspect that many parents do not consider is what will happen if the child has an accident while away at school. Beyond just insurance, parents should consider getting their college children a Health Care Power of Attorney.

One of the most important duties of a parent is to make the health care decisions for their minor children. Legally, the duty ends at 18. A parent no longer has the right to view a child’s medical records or make decisions. For the most part, that is appropriate. Adults should make their own health care decisions and when your children reach they age of 18, they are adults. However, what will happen if your child has an accident and is incapacitated? Who makes the decisions then? By law, you do not have the right to do so even though you are their parent.

There is a simple solution to this problem. Before sending your children off to college, get them a Health care Power of Attorney so you can make decisions when they are unable to do so. Most people will never need to use the power. Those who do will be glad that they planned ahead.

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Thanks again.

Dennis D. Duffy