Estate Law Georgia: Critical Documents Your College Student Needs Before Returning to Campus for Spring

As winter break winds down and college students prepare to head back for spring semester, there’s one crucial task that often gets overlooked amid the post-holiday rush. Under estate law Georgia guidelines, once your child turns 18, you lose access to their medical and financial information—even if you’re paying their tuition.

The Legal Reality Most Parents Don’t Expect

The transition from high school student to college adult comes with legal implications that catch many Georgia families off guard. Despite covering tuition, housing, and other expenses, parents can’t access their adult child’s:

• Medical records or health information
• Bank account details
• Academic records and grades
• Treatment information in emergencies

This is where proper legal documentation becomes essential.

Two Critical Legal Documents Your College Student Needs

1. Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA)

Under Georgia estate law, HIPAA and other privacy regulations prevent parents from accessing their adult child’s medical information without proper authorization. An HCPOA allows you to:

• Access medical records
• Communicate with healthcare providers
• Make medical decisions if your child is incapacitated
• Coordinate care between campus and home doctors
• Receive information about mental health treatment

2. Financial Power of Attorney (FPOA)

Even if you’re funding your child’s education, you need legal authority to handle their financial matters. An FPOA enables you to:

• Monitor bank accounts
• Access grade reports
• Manage student loans
• Handle investment accounts
• Deal with billing issues

Why Timing Matters

While many families handle these documents before fall semester, the winter break provides another crucial opportunity to get these protections in place. If you haven’t already secured these documents, now is the time—before your student returns to campus for spring term.

Real-World Scenarios to Consider

Consider these situations where having proper documentation matters:

• Your student enters counseling or mental health treatment
• They need medical care while studying abroad
• Financial aid documentation requires immediate attention
• Academic accommodations need parent advocacy
• Emergency medical decisions must be made quickly

Taking Action Before Spring Semester

Don’t let your college student return to campus without these essential protections in place. As experts in estate law Georgia families trust, we can help you secure the proper HCPOA and FPOA forms that protect both you and your child.

Next Steps

Contact our office at 404-370-0696 to arrange these crucial documents before the spring semester begins. Give yourself peace of mind knowing you can still help your adult child when they need you most.

Protect your rights as a parent while respecting your child’s adult status. Let us help you find that balance with the proper legal documentation.