POA Planning for College-Bound Students

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It is hard to believe that my oldest daughter is heading off to college this week at Drake University.  I'm excited for her as she starts this next journey in her life.  In addition to getting all of the necessary supplies, such as towels, laundry bags, books, pepper spray, etc., it is also important that parents of college-bound kids have the kids sign power of attorney documents.  While we may still think of them as young kids, the fact is that under the law, they are legal adults and entitled to full and independent control of their financial information/assets as well as medical decisions and privacy protection.  This is regardless of the fact that you as the parent may be paying their tuition and treating them as a dependent for tax deduction purposes. 

However, it can be extremely beneficial to have your child sign a power of attorney document so that you are authorized to: obtain medical information and consent to medical procedures if necessary; access information about their accounts, or even access grades.  This isn't just continuing to be a "helicopter parent", but there is a legitimate reason for all adults, regardless of the age, to have these planning documents.  For now, it is just another item to add to that "back to school" list.   

Good luck Holly!

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