College Transitions

By Philip Lee, CFP®

Julia, our daughter, started classes this week at Champlain College. Wow, does time fly by so I'm re-sharing my post -- these critical documents for the college bound is truly top of mind. She is 18-years old "on her own" as a freshman and these are critical documents to have "just in case". Some of these documents apply to non-students too!

Students may be worried about making new friends, studying, and adjusting to college life. Parents or guardians may share these concerns too, but they should not neglect legal and financial matters. Our 18 year-olds are now adults who can enter into contracts, make their own health care decisions, and are afforded levels of privacy to which we may not be accustomed. Who will make medical decisions on behalf of your child if he or she is unable to do so? What will you do if you need to get medical information in a time of an emergency? Will you be able to have access or make decisions on financial/tuition matters with the bursar’s office? Is it important to have access to your child’s academic record? Consider these items allowing parents/guardians to assist their adult children before they leave for college:

Health care proxy: This document allows your child to name someone they know and trust to make medical decisions on their behalf, if for any reason, they are unable to make the decision or communicate their wishes. While standard forms may be available on-line through state medical societies, your estate planning attorney can draft this document.

HIPPA release: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), a federal law, protects your child’s privacy even from parents. The act prohibits a health care provider from releasing any health care information unless your child provides the health care provider with a HIPPA release form naming you as an authorized recipient.

Durable power of attorney: This document allows your child to appoint an agent in order to manage his/ her financial matters. While parents may be paying the tuition bills, this does not grant authority to discuss or resolve their child’s financial issues with the college’s student accounts office or bursar’s office.

FERPA waiver: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) governs privacy of educational records and prohibits an institution from discussing a student’s record with anyone unless the student has granted authorization. Colleges may allow students to grant access to one or more individuals via an on-line wavier form (Champlain offers this). However, remember your children are gaining independence and responsibility. Simply engaging your student may prove an equally, if not a more effective means of communication about how they are doing in school.

It is important to keep signed forms available as you may need them if your child is traveling, and remember that authorizations can be modified or updated as their circumstances change.

This is not legal advice so please be sure to contact your estate planning attorney to address these important issues. If you don't have an estate attorney ask your family, friends or financial advisor for recommendations.