Estate planning for college students may not be the first thing on your summer checklist, but it should be. Graduation season is in full swing, and for many families, that means sending recent high school grads off to college or helping young adults take their next big step. Amidst all the celebration, it might surprise you to learn that your 18-year-old is now considered a legal adult—and that changes a lot, especially when it comes to making important decisions.
Once a child turns 18, parents can no longer automatically make medical or financial decisions on their behalf. That means if there’s an emergency, you could be left without access to vital information or the ability to step in when it matters most.
That’s why basic estate planning is so important for young adults. Here are the essential documents every family should consider:
1. Advance Health Care Directive
This allows your child to name someone (usually a parent) to make medical decisions if they can’t. It also outlines their wishes about treatment preferences and organ donation.
2. Durable Power of Attorney
This document gives a trusted individual the authority to handle financial matters, like accessing bank accounts, paying tuition, or managing bills, if the young adult is unable to do so.
3. HIPAA Authorization
Without this, medical providers can’t legally share health information with you, even in an emergency. A signed HIPAA release ensures you can speak with doctors and hospitals.
4. Will or Simple Estate Plan
While it may not seem urgent, having a basic will can ensure personal property is handled according to your young adult’s wishes, and it introduces them to the importance of lifelong planning.
At Von Rock Law, we’ve designed the College Care Plan to make this process simple, affordable, and stress-free. Ideal for students heading off to college or any adult age 18 or older, the plan includes:
- An Advance Health Care Directive
- A Durable Power of Attorney
- A HIPAA Authorization Form
- A Simple Will (with up to two named beneficiaries receiving outright inheritance)
- A generic FERPA Consent Form to authorize parents to communicate with the college
This plan includes a 30-minute consultation, preparation of all documents, and in-person notary service. Digital and paper copies are provided for your convenience.
Discounts available when paired with a Parent’s Estate Plan or a Sibling’s College Care Plan.
We offer flat-fee pricing and remote-friendly meetings, so families can get everything in place before move-in day—no matter where they are in California.
Interested in learning more or getting started?
Reach out to us at welcome@vonrocklaw.com or call 415-517-3706
Because growing up comes with new responsibilities, and a little legal peace of mind goes a long way.
