Sending your student to college with all the right stuff….

There are lots of lists online that tell you about sending sheets, extension cords, and computer cables to college with your student.  But what about the right legal documents?  An important form to have for your student going away to school is a Durable Power of Attorney.   Colleges normally will not release any financial information (fees, scholarships, loans, money issues, etc.) pertaining to the student once they reach the age of 18.  If there are any financial or medical questions or concerns, the college may tell the parents that the student has to take care of it themselves.

To avoid any problems dealing with finances and health-related problems, by establishing a Durable Power Of Attorney,  parents may have some say if any problems occur.  This legal document will let the parents make decisions for the student while in college and it will authorize college, bank, doctor, etc., to provide you all information that is needed to conduct the student’s affairs if need be.

The student can choose when a power of attorney ends.  It can begin when the student enters college and ends upon graduation if the student elects and the student can end the Power of Attorney at any time. By giving a Power of Attorney to the parents, parents will be able to conduct ALL financial and medical affairs for the student. If your student is not yet 18, the college will communicate with you. Once the student turns 18, execute the durable power of attorney as you must be 18 to sign a document and have it legal.

Keep the durable power of attorney in a safe place. You do not have to send it to anyone. If you find you cannot get information,  tell them you have a durable power of attorney – that should open the door. You may then have to send them a copy.

It is something that we hope you never have to use, but nice to have if you do.  Contact your attorney for a copy or search online and have the document signed and notarized to make it legally binding.  And cross one more thing off your college packing to-do list….