05/01/2023
Today is May 1, which means it is...
!
Yes, today is the deadline by which most admitted students must notify their chosen college or university of their matriculation for the Fall 2023 semester. As a proud parent of a graduating high school student myself, I know personally how exciting, daunting and, well...downright FUN this all can be.
That being said, I wouldn't be a lawyer if I didn't provide words of caution and advice. College is a paradigm shift for your family. As a parent, you are now shepherding a young adult rather than coralling a child. That means they are their own decision-makers legally, or will soon be if they aren't quite eighteen years old. That's the age where you can no longer sign documents on their behalf or do things for them without a formal delegation of authority.
And, as stated, these are YOUNG adults. They have a lot to draw their attention in the weeks and months ahead. They have prom, finals, graduation and (at least in the DC area) to worry about. So perhaps they are not as focused as they should be on their private student loan submission, their housing application, obtaining their health records, or any one of the myriad and seemingly endless administrative tasks that are necessary to launch them on to the next stage of life.
In addition, as parents we have to think about (and, indeed seem doomed to worry about) what can go wrong for our kids as they move out into the world with its various pitfalls and dangers. They could have an accident, become ill, be the victim of a crime, or a victim of their own youthful exuberance.
Therefore, I would advise every parent to make a suggestion to your newly adult child. Ask them to execute two documents before we get too deep into the summer:
The first is a Durable General Power of Attorney. This is a formal delegation of authority to the parent to sign on their child's behalf. This will allow you to handle necessary documents in their name as they arise instead of chasing an 18-year-old down to sign paperwork when they would rather enjoy their last summer with their childhood friends.
The second is an Advanced Medical Directive/Health Care Power of Attorney. This will give you access to their medical records and other documents required by any college or university. Perhaps more importantly, it will designate you formally as their health care agent for medical decision-making should something unfortunate befall them while they are away at school.
Think about these needs and let me know if I can assist in any way.
And CONGRATULATIONS on your sons' and/or daughters' past and future successes!