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Once a student turns 18, parents no longer have the same automatic authority to access medical information, speak with providers or handle certain matters on their behalf.
That can catch families off guard, especially when the student is still living at home, covered by a parent’s insurance or relying on family help.
Mama Bear Legal Forms offers a Young Adult Power of Attorney package designed to help families put important documents in place before college.
What Is Included
The package includes:
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Health care power of attorney: Allows the student to name someone to make medical decisions if they cannot make them independently.
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HIPAA authorization: Allows designated people to receive certain medical information.
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Financial power of attorney: Gives someone authority to handle specified financial or administrative matters.
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FERPA waiver: Allows the college to share certain education information. Some schools also use their own forms or student portal permissions.
Mama Bear also currently includes:
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A second set of documents for students attending college in another state
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An app for storing, organizing and sharing completed documents
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Customer support by phone or email
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Free document updates when life circumstances change
The Student Is Still in Control
These are the student’s legal documents.
The student decides who to name, what authority to provide and whether to change or revoke the documents later.
The purpose is not to give parents control over an adult student’s everyday decisions. It is to make the student’s wishes clear and allow trusted people to help when needed.
Why Families Choose Mama Bear
Mama Bear Legal Forms uses an online questionnaire to prepare state-specific documents. Families complete the forms online, download them and follow the provided signing and notarization instructions.
This can be a practical option for families with straightforward needs who want help preparing the documents without starting from scratch.
One feature I especially appreciate is the Mama Bear app. Once our forms were signed and completed, I scanned them into the app. Now I can easily access them from my phone if I ever need them.
Students attending college in another state should carefully review the options and instructions for documents covering both their home state and school state.
CarePaks 101 readers can use code CAMPUS20 to save 20% on Mama Bear Legal Forms.
When to Complete the Forms
Before college is a convenient time because the student is usually home and everyone can complete the signing steps together.
Families may also choose to handle them:
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During a school break
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Before study abroad
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Before an internship away from home
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Before the student moves into an apartment
Keep the signed documents somewhere the student and the people they named can access quickly.
Related reading: Turning 18 Before College: The Forms Parents Should Know About
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Laws and signing requirements vary by state.