College Prep To-Do

College Care Package

CONGRATULATIONS graduates! 🎉 As you and your family prepare for your graduate’s next adventures away from home, you should consider adding the College Care Package  to your summer to-do list.

Bequest’s College Care Package includes a power of attorney and advance directive for health care for college age students. Why are these documents important to have in place before going off to college? Read more to find out! 

While turning 18 and moving off college brings independence and freedom, it's important for parents to maintain the legal authority to make decisions for their child in certain situations. This is where a power of attorney and advance directive for health care can be crucial.

What is a Power of Attorney and Why is it Important? 

A power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone else the financial authority to act on your behalf. In the case of a college student, a power of attorney can allow parents to act quickly and effectively to manage their child's financial affairs if they become incapacitated or unable to make decisions on their own. For example: 

  • If your child becomes seriously ill or injured, you may need to access their bank accounts or sign important documents on their behalf. Without a power of attorney, you may not be able to do so.

  • If your child is studying abroad and needs help managing their finances, a power of attorney can allow you to do so without having to navigate complex legal systems in a foreign country. 

What is an Advance Directive for Health Care and Why is it Important? 

An advance directive for health care is another legal document that can outline your child’s wishes for medical treatment in the event that they cannot make the decision for themselves. This is particularly important for college students:

  • Who may be living far away from home and without immediate family nearby.

  • Whose wishes should be followed to avoid potential conflicts or misunderstandings between family members during stressful and emotional times.

While it can be difficult to think about these scenarios, it's important to be prepared. Creating a power of attorney and advance directive for health care ensures that your child’s well-being is protected in the event of an emergency and provides you with the legal authority to act on their behalf when necessary.

Don't wait until it's too late – call Bequest today and take the necessary steps to ensure that your family is prepared for any situation.