Whether your adult child is in his or her first year or getting ready to start college 2nd semester in January, you should consider having certain documents in place. Once your child turns 18 years of age, they are an adult and you no longer have control over their life. You cannot obtain private information – even if you are the one paying for your child’s student loans, books and living expenses. Having certain documents in place allows you access to records and accounts if you need to help your adult child, manage their finances, or make medical decisions for them.
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Waiver
When your child signs this document, it gives you access to information that you otherwise wouldn’t have, including disciplinary actions and academic records. You do not need this form for information on underage drinking, a medical emergency, or if your child is listed as a dependent on your federal income tax return as long as your child is under 23 years of age, lives with you for more than six months, is not married and doesn’t support themself. However, access to academic records can be valuable so we recommend having your child sign the waiver.
Power of Attorney
We recommend having a Financial Power of Attorney that allows you to handle your child’s finances should they become incapacitated or for convenience while at school.
Living Will or Advance Directive for Health Care
If your child is in an accident and ends up in a persistent vegetative state, the living will or advance directive dictates your adult child’s wishes for end-of-life care. The Advance Directive in Georgia also allows your child to name the persons they wishes to act as agent to make medical decisions if they are unable to communicate. Additionally, the Georgia Advance Directive includes a HIPAA release that allows medical professionals to keep the agent updated regarding your child’s medical condition in the event of an accident.
Contact a Georgia Estate Planning Attorney
If your adult child is already in college or is getting ready to head off to college this year, contact our Georgia estate planning attorneys at Grissom Law, LLC to discuss documents to protect your child’s interests.
Disclaimer
This Blog/Web Site is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and Grissom Law, LLC.