Sending Your Child To College: The Unspoken Legal Shift at 18
Packing up the car for move-in day is a milestone filled with pride, excitement, and a touch of bittersweet anxiety. Whether your student is headed to a school close by such as SWOSU or Cameron University, or heading off to a campus like OCU, OU, or OSU, watching them step into adulthood is a moment every parent works hard to reach.
Between dorm shopping, class registration, and buying textbooks, there is one crucial detail that rarely makes the typical college packing list: legal power of attorney. The moment your child turns 18, they become a legal adult in the eyes of the law. While this is a celebrated rite of passage, it also creates an unexpected legal barrier for parents. Under federal privacy laws like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and state privacy regulations, parents lose the automatic right to access their adult child’s medical records, make healthcare decisions on their behalf during an emergency, or manage their financial accounts. If an accident or illness occurs while they are away at school, doctors and financial institutions are legally barred from speaking with you - unless you have the proper legal documents in place.
To ensure you can step in seamlessly when your young adult needs you most, two foundational documents should be completed before move-in day.
First, a Healthcare Power of Attorney and HIPAA Release allows your student to designate you as their medical surrogate.
If they suffer a sudden injury or severe illness on campus, this document grants you instant access to their medical updates and the authority to consult with treating physicians.
Second, a Durable Financial Power of Attorney gives you the legal standing to manage administrative matters on their behalf should your child lose an ID, experience a bank account issue, or need help managing lease agreements and tuition bills while abroad or incapacitated.
Oklahomans work hard their entire lives to build a legacy, provide for their children, and create stability for the next generation. Yet, true estate planning isn't just about preparing for late-in-life transitions - it's about proactively protecting your family through every major life milestone. From high school and college graduations to first careers, marriages, buying a home, and welcoming children, life moves fast. Being proactive rather than reactive ensures that the legacy you’ve poured into your family remains secure, no matter what surprises life brings along the way.
We believe in standing alongside our friends and neighbors through every chapter of life. Whether you need a trusted estate planning attorney in Altus, an experienced estate planning attorney in Lawton, or a dedicated estate lawyer in Oklahoma City to help guide your family through complex life transitions, our team is here to help you navigate each step with clarity and peace of mind. Before you drop off your college freshman at campus this semester, take a moment to ensure their safety net is fully intact. Contact Gunkel Law Group today to put these essential protections in place for your student.
