Baxter, Borowicz & Brunckhorst Co. LPA

06/27/2025

📚 Estate Planning Essentials for College Students: Why Young Adults Need a Plan
As high school graduation caps are tossed and college acceptance letters roll in, estate planning is probably the last thing on a student or parent’s mind. But once a child turns 18, the law sees them as a legal adult — and that changes everything when it comes to decision-making, especially in emergencies.

At Baxter, Borowicz & Brunckhorst, we believe estate planning isn’t just for older adults with assets. It’s an important step in protecting young adults as they step into independence. Here’s why estate planning is essential for college-bound students — and the key documents they need before heading to campus.

🎓 Why Estate Planning Matters for 18-Year-Olds
Once your child turns 18, parents can no longer:

Access their medical records

Make healthcare decisions on their behalf

Manage their finances, even in an emergency

That’s why having a few simple legal documents in place can provide peace of mind and practical protection.

📝 Four Key Documents Every College Student Should Have
1. Durable Power of Attorney (Financial)
This allows a trusted person — usually a parent or guardian — to manage financial matters on the student’s behalf. This includes things like:

Paying tuition or bills

Managing a bank account

Handling leases or utility issues

If your student is studying out of state or abroad, this becomes especially important.

2. Healthcare Power of Attorney (Medical Proxy)
In the event of a medical emergency, this document gives a designated person the legal authority to make healthcare decisions for the student if they’re unable to do so themselves.

Without it, even parents may be left out of crucial decisions.

3. HIPAA Authorization
Due to privacy laws, hospitals and doctors cannot release medical information — even to parents — without written consent. A HIPAA release ensures that parents or guardians can access medical updates and records.

4. FERPA Release
Colleges are bound by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects student academic and financial records. With a FERPA release, students can allow parents to access academic performance, disciplinary records, and billing information.

💼 Optional but Helpful: A Simple Will
While most college students don’t have substantial assets, some may own a car, receive an inheritance, or have digital assets like investment accounts or cryptocurrency. A basic will can ensure these assets are distributed according to their wishes.

✅ How We Can Help
At Baxter, Borowicz & Brunckhorst, we offer tailored estate planning services for families with college-bound students. Our Young Adult Legal Readiness Package includes:

Durable Power of Attorney

Healthcare Power of Attorney

HIPAA and FERPA releases

Optional Simple Will

We can complete this process quickly and affordably, giving both students and parents confidence as they begin this new chapter.

🎓 Final Thoughts
Estate planning may not be the most exciting college prep task, but it’s one of the most important. It’s a gift of security, clarity, and readiness for life’s unexpected moments.

Ready to protect your student before they leave home?
Contact Baxter, Borowicz & Brunckhorst today for a consultation.

Send a message to learn more

07/30/2021

I just received the nicest thank you note from a new client--
Dear Mr. Borowicz,
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your call and diligence. I am so deeply grateful for your guidance and encouragement. And again this world needs more people like you. My mind was so much clearer about the steps I need to take. It’s my experience that when we humans take the approach to serve others and share our gifts and purpose for the better of humanity the returns on your life are abundant of love and happiness.
Know that God always rewards his messengers and servants and you sir are honoring him in your service.
Eternally grateful,
Judith

03/20/2018

I see the real life impact of this trend everyday in my Elder Law practice.

The number of people living with Alzheimer's disease in Ohio is projected to increase at a slower rate than in any other state between now and 2025. But

08/30/2017

Veterans Aid & Attendance Pension Eligibility Changes

According to Krause Financial Services, "In January of 2015, the Department of Veterans Affairs proposed rule changes that would significantly change the eligibility standards for VA pension benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs proposed changes include:

- Establishing a clear net worth limit
- Creating a 36-month look-back period regarding asset transfers
- The imposition of a penalty period should the claimant have been found to make divestments during the look-back period
- Defining and clarifying deductible medical expenses

Additionally, other provisions that would likely impact the number of those eligible to receive benefits, or at least impact the eligibility process of those seeking benefits.

The Wait Continues for Finalized VA Pension Benefits Rule
More than two years later, we are still waiting to learn when the final rule will be published, and when the proposed changes will take effect.

Publication of the final rule has been delayed multiple times due to the complexity of rule and the large amount of comments received regarding the initial proposal. We have recently learned the amendments to the 2015 proposal have been completed, however, because the final rule is still a draft, the VA is unable to share these amendments at this time. The rule is expected to undergo VBA concurrence by the end of August, with full VA concurrence to follow. The VA does not expect the final rule to be published before end of summer or early fall 2017."

07/11/2017

What Are the Signs of Elder Abuse?

According to the World Health Organization, the number of people over the age of 60 will more than double from 900 million to 2 billion by the year 2050. Based on studies they have conducted, 15.7% of people aged 60 and over experienced some type of abuse in the last year. It is important to know what signs to look for so we can make these statistics a thing of the past. The following are lists of the signs to look for.

Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is the use of force against an elderly person. Some things that would indicate physical abuse are:
• Bruising
• Cuts or lacerations
• Breaks, strains, and/or fractures
• Burn marks
• Recurring injuries
• Injuries to areas that can be covered
• Weight loss or malnutrition
• Hair loss
• Poor hygiene
• Soiled clothing or bedding

Emotional Abuse
Emotional/ psychological abuse may include neglect, screaming and/or threatening an elderly person. Some things that indicate emotional abuse are:
• Low self-esteem
• The display of anxious, shy, depressed or withdrawn behavior
• Lack of eye contact and/or lack of speech
• Displays or spoken remarks about self- harm or su***de
• Changes in sleeping patterns or eating habits

These things may be seen in elderly individuals experiencing physical abuse as well. Other types of abuse are financial abuse and healthcare fraud. Patients with Alzheimer’s or Dementia may be more at risk for and women are also at a higher risk.

If you notice signs of abuse of your elderly loved one, it may be time to get an experienced elder law attorney involved. Contact the team at Baxter & Borowicz today to keep your loved one safe.

12/05/2012

Quick article on End of year gifting before the "Fiscal Cliff"
http://www.baxterandborowicz.com/Practice-Areas/Large-Gifting-in-2012.shtml

Contact the Columbus Estate Planning attorneys at Baxter & Borowicz Co., LPA. Call 614-515-2408

10/09/2012

At the OSBA class on using social media in a law practice... Kind of ironic.