Loune-Djenia Askew, Esq.
Sep 22, 2025
If your child is heading off to college, now is the perfect time to put these protections in place. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your family safe and supported during this exciting new chapter.
When a child turns 18, they legally become an adult. For parents in Florida, this milestone is exciting—but it also comes with new responsibilities. Once your child is legally an adult, you no longer have automatic access to their medical, financial, or academic information. That’s why creating a simple estate planning checklist for college-bound kids is so important.
Here are the key documents to consider:
Health Care Surrogate This allows your child to designate someone—usually a parent—to make medical decisions on their behalf if they’re unable to do so. Without it, doctors may be unable to share information with you in an emergency.
HIPAA Authorization A HIPAA release gives health care providers permission to share medical information with you. This is essential for parents who may need updates on their child’s condition in case of illness or accident.
Durable Power of Attorney This document lets your child authorize someone they trust to handle financial or legal matters on their behalf, such as paying bills, managing a bank account, or dealing with their landlord if they’re away or incapacitated.
Living Will (Optional) A living will states your child’s wishes regarding end-of-life medical care. While it may not be necessary for every student, it can bring peace of mind knowing their preferences are documented.
Simple Will or Trust (If Applicable) If your child has assets—such as savings, a car, or other property—a simple will or trust ensures their belongings are distributed according to their wishes.
Why This Matters
Accidents and unexpected health issues can happen at any age. By having these documents in place, families avoid unnecessary legal hurdles and make sure parents can step in quickly if their child needs help.
If your child is heading off to college, now is the perfect time to put these protections in place. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your family safe and supported during this exciting new chapter.
For more information, contact our office at Askew & Associates, P.A. by calling 954-546-2699.
Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns.