08/20/2026
🎓 YOUR CHILD IS HEADING OFF TO COLLEGE… BUT ARE THEIR LEGAL DOCUMENTS IN PLACE?
Turning 18 is a huge milestone. But there’s one change many parents don’t realize:
Once your child turns 18, they are legally an adult.
That means being their parent does not automatically give you the legal authority to make decisions or handle certain matters for them if an emergency occurs.
Imagine your college student is away from home and is seriously injured, hospitalized, or unable to communicate. Without the proper documents in place, you could face unexpected obstacles at the exact moment your child needs you most.
A Power of Attorney (POA) can authorize a trusted person to handle certain financial and legal matters on their behalf.
A Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) can name someone they trust to make healthcare decisions if they are unable to make or communicate those decisions themselves.
Without proper planning, families may face delays, uncertainty, and, depending on the circumstances, even the need for court involvement to obtain legal authority to act.
📚 College checklists usually include:
Dorm supplies ✔️
Laptop ✔️
Textbooks ✔️
Meal plan ✔️
But POA & HCPOA deserve a spot on that checklist too.
These documents aren't just for older adults. They can be especially important for young adults who are living away from home for the first time.
Before your student heads back to campus, make sure they're prepared for more than classes.
A little planning today can make an enormous difference during an unexpected emergency.
⚖️ O'Drobinak & Nowaczyk, P.C.
📞 219-865-2285
🌐 www.ordrobinaklaw.com