I s Y our 18-Y ear -O ld P repared ? Why College Students Need Advanced Health Care Directives
Though they will feel like your babies forever, when your child turns 18, they are legally adults and will need to be prepared for emergencies while they are away in college. So, when crafting an estate plan, you need to include advanced health care directives for college students and children to ensure their medical care aligns with their wishes and your values in an emergency. Power of Attorney When a child turns 18, new restrictions are placed on them, and parents or guardians need special permission and access to make a number of decisions about their child. A Power of Attorney is one of the documents you should have in place as your child enters college or becomes an adult. This document names someone who can act on behalf of the 18-year-old if they can’t. Some common reasons for a Power of Attorney are for financial documents. Your college student might need help managing their bank accounts, paying bills, or filing taxes. This also allows you to speak to any of your child’s creditors. Health Care Power of Attorney You and your college-aged child should also elect a Healthcare Power of Attorney who will be responsible for any medical decisions on behalf of your child. This is incredibly
important, as without it, a medical emergency could be complex for you to help with. If your 18-year-old is seriously injured or incapacitated, this document will give you the ability to make decisions about their treatment and care. It also allows you to speak with their doctor, access their medical records, or even make an appointment for them. Other Documents to Consider It’s essential to ensure you have the correct documents for the college your child is attending. Sometimes, schools will have specific
paperwork you need to provide for your advanced healthcare directives. Check the orientation packet or university website to find the required documents (i.e., FERPA, or Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act permit, etc.). Ensure you give the directives to the school in advance so no one has to scramble around if an emergency occurs.
Incorporating advanced health care directives and powers of attorney into your estate plan ensures your college-bound child is prepared for any unexpected situation. These essential documents provide peace of mind. As your child steps into adulthood, these proactive steps will safeguard their future and offer security for your entire family.
TRANSFORMING OUR LEGAL RESEARCH WITH DEDICATION AND SKILL MEET SALLY MACDONALD At The Manely Firm, our passionate staff members contribute significantly to the team and are dedicated to giving their best to clients. Our law librarian, Sally MacDonald, makes our attorneys’ work that much smoother. From researching the laws impacting our cases to organizing our extensive research library, Sally brings a dedication to justice and exceptional organizational skills to this exciting new role. When she applied for a paralegal position with us last September, we knew she would make a perfect Law Librarian. It was the ideal role for her to build her knowledge and experience with family law. “It’s a really nice place to work, and the people here are so nice to work with,” she said. “I’ve learned that family law can be done in a nice way. It doesn’t have to be a vicious fight between parents or spouses.”
Sally said she had never considered a law career until she was about 18, but once she explored the field, she knew it was the right match. “It wasn’t ever a career anyone talked to me about,” she said. “I thought I had always been good at arguing, and I believe in integrity and doing the right thing. I wanted to somehow get into justice, and when I started looking into law, it just fit with who I am.” Originally from England, she and her family moved to the U.S. when she was 16. She decided to return home to complete her law education, earning her Master of Law at Queen Mary University of London. While completing her master’s degree in Paris, the COVID-19 pandemic caused her to return to the U.S., where she worked for another law firm. Tired of the toxic work environment there, she sought a chance to work for another firm where she could use her skills and education.
Since arriving here, Sally has enjoyed creating this role as she goes. She revamped our research library, streamlining how lawyers access essential information. She said she has learned so much as she works to find new ways to help our attorneys make their arguments in court. Sally said the critical skills needed to be a successful law librarian are an excellent legal mind, the ability to analyze information, and excellent organizational skills. She is interested in pursuing a career as a lawyer, but for now, she’s glad to be working at a good firm where she can continue to learn and grow. Sally’s love of justice and determination to help our lawyers and clients shine through her daily work. We are so thankful to have her.
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