Is Your Child Turning 18 soon? If so this is VERY IMPORTANT!!!

I saw this on social media and wanted to share it here:

When your child turns 18, something important changes that many families don't realize.

Legally, they become an adult, that's already mind-blowing! But this also means schools, hospitals, and financial institutions may not be able to give information to parents without permission.

This includes if they are still living under your roof and on your health insurance. Trust me, my son turned 18 the summer before his senior year in high school, and this was absolutely the case.

Many families choose to put legal documents in place when their child turns 18 so the parents can help if needed.

Here are the 4 most important legal protections to consider as soon as your student turns 18:

1. Medical Power of Attorney & Advanced Directive - Installs you (or another trusted adult as directed) as the decision-maker for the young adult if they're medically unable to make those decisions for themselves.
2. Durable Power of Attorney - Allows authority over financial or legal obligations if your student is unable to make those payments or other contractual obligations.
3. HIPAA Authorization - Makes it possible to receive important information on their health and speak with doctors on their behalf.
4. FERPA Release (optional and academic only) - Gives you access to essential academic records, like grades or transcripts.

This is not about you being in control.  It's about being able to help them if they are unable to speak or act for themselves.

We will be talking to our families attorney about all this in the days ahead.  It's better to be in the know than not.  I'd encourage all parents to do the same if you have a child approaching 18 like we do.