Estate Planning for College

Packing For College? Don’t Forget The Essentials!

As your child packs for college and prepares for an exciting new chapter, estate planning is probably the last thing on anyone’s mind—but it shouldn’t be! You’ve got the new bed sheets, the textbooks, and the parking pass, but do you have vital estate planning documents in place that could protect your child while away from home?

Is My Child Too Young For Estate Planning?

Contrary to popular belief, estate planning is not just for the elderly. Once your child turns 18,

you no longer have automatic legal authority to make medical or financial decisions for them,

even in an emergency. College opens the door to exciting opportunities and personal growth—but as every parent knows, not all experiences are positive ones. Emergencies are unpredictable. That’s why basic estate planning for college students is just as essential as dorm

checklists and class schedules.

Here are 6 key documents every college student should have:

1. Healthcare Power of Attorney: This allows you to make medical decisions on your child’s behalf if they’re incapacitated.

2. HIPAA Authorization: Without this, hospitals may be unable to release information about your child’s condition—even to you.

3. Durable Power of Attorney: This gives you the ability to manage financial matters, such as dealing with banks or tuition issues, if your child is unable to do so.

4. FERPA Release: FERPA may protect your child’s privacy, but it can block your access to their academic records. A signed release lets the school share important info with you.

5. Advance Directive: This document helps ensure your child’s wishes are followed when it comes to end-of-life medical care.

6. Last Will and Testament: Yes, even a college student could benefit from a will. Most college students have bank accounts, personal belongings, or valuable digital assets. A will allows your child to decide what happens to their belonging.

These simple documents can make a big difference in an emergency. Taking the time to prepare now gives your family peace of mind and protects your child’s well-being while they’re away from home.

You’ve got the new bed sheets, the textbooks, and the parking pass, but do you have vital estate planning documents in place that could protect your child while away from home?

Let’s Make Sure You Packed All Of the Essentials

If you’re sending a child off to college this fall, now is the perfect time to get prepared! Schedule a complimentary consultation with our True North team today to get started.