Estate Planning for Parents with College-Bound Kids | California Guide
Your Kid Is Heading to College. Here Is Why You Need to Update Your Estate Plan Now.
Your child got accepted. You are proud, emotional, and already thinking about dorm supplies. But here is something most California parents do not think about until it is too late: once your child turns 18, you lose the legal authority to make decisions on their behalf.
That means no access to their medical records. No ability to talk to their doctors. No authority over their finances if something goes wrong. It does not matter that you are their parent. Legally, they are an adult.
This is not meant to scare you. It is meant to prepare you. And the good news is that a few simple estate planning documents can keep you connected and protected.
What Changes When Your Child Turns 18
Under California law, once a person turns 18, they are a legal adult. That means:
You cannot access their medical information without written authorization
You cannot make financial decisions on their behalf
Hospitals and banks can and will turn you away
If there is an emergency, you may need a court order to step in
This catches parents off guard every year. Especially when their child is away at college, sometimes hundreds of miles from home.
The Documents Every Parent of a College Student Needs
You do not need a full estate overhaul. But you do need a few key documents in place before your child leaves for school.
Advance Health Care Directive: This allows your child to name you (or someone else) as the person who can make medical decisions if they cannot. It also includes a HIPAA authorization so doctors can share medical information with you.
Financial Power of Attorney: This gives you the ability to handle financial matters on your child's behalf, whether that is managing a bank account, signing a lease, or dealing with student loan paperwork.
FERPA Release: This is separate from a power of attorney. Under federal law, your child's college is not allowed to share academic or disciplinary records with you unless your child signs a FERPA waiver.
What Most Parents Miss
A lot of families assume that being listed as an emergency contact is enough. It is not. Emergency contacts do not have legal authority. They get a phone call. That is it.
Others assume their health insurance covers them. It does not give you decision-making power. And if your child is attending school out of state, the rules may differ, but the need for documentation is even greater.
We also see parents who set up 529 plans and joint bank accounts but forget the legal documents that actually matter in a crisis.
When to Get This Done
The best time is before your child turns 18 or before they leave for school, whichever comes first. But if your child is already away at college and you do not have these documents, it is not too late. They can sign them at any time as long as they are 18 and competent.
We work with families across California to put these documents together quickly and affordably. It usually takes one meeting and gives you peace of mind for the next four years and beyond.
This Is Not Just for Wealthy Families
Estate planning is not about how much money you have. It is about making sure the right people can step in when it matters. If your child is heading to college, this is one of the most practical things you can do as a parent.
Ready to Get This Done Before Move-In Day?
We help California families create estate planning documents that are clear, affordable, and tailored to their situation. If your child is heading to college, now is the time.
