07/12/2026
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When most people hear the term Power of Attorney, they usually think about elderly parents appointing someone to handle their financial or medical affairs.
But there is another situation where a Power of Attorney is extremely important β and one that many parents overlook.
Your child turning 18 is a major legal milestone.
In Louisiana, 18 is the age of majority. At that moment, your child is legally considered an adult, and your rights as a parent change.
Imagine this:
Your daughter turns 18 the day before she leaves for college several hours away. Two nights later, you receive a frantic call from her roommate: your daughter collapsed and has been rushed to the hospital.
You immediately call the emergency room, desperate to know what happened.
But you are told they cannot provide any information.
You ask to speak with the doctor.
Again, you are denied.
Why?
Because under the law, your daughter is now an adult. Without proper authorization, medical providers cannot disclose her protected health information or allow you to make medical decisions on her behalf.
Just days earlier, you were the person doctors would call. Now, legally, you may have no authority at all.
This is where a properly drafted Power of Attorney with HIPAA authorization language becomes so important.
By executing this document, your child can appoint you as her agent, allowing you to access medical information and assist with decisions if she becomes unable to do so herself.
And while medical issues are often the primary concern, a Durable Power of Attorney can also address financial matters.
For a college student, this can be extremely helpful if you need to assist with issues involving:
Tuition and educational expenses
Banks and financial accounts
Housing matters
Insurance issues
Other important financial obligations
A Durable Power of Attorney is especially important because it remains effective even if your child becomes incapacitated, allowing the person appointed as agent to continue acting on their behalf.
Before your son or daughter heads off to college, take time to have this important conversation. It is a simple step that can provide tremendous peace of mind for both parents and children.
If you have questions about Powers of Attorney or other estate planning matters, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
You can also visit our frequently asked questions page:
https://neworleansestatelaw.com/frequently-asked-questions/estate-planning-faqs/
Chip LoCoco
A New Orleans Attorney at Law
(504) 483-2332
