Turning 18 brings new independence and changes a parent's legal role. Even when you are paying tuition or helping with everyday expenses, your student needs to decide who can help with financial matters, medical decisions, and college information.
What the Package Includes
Maryland Statutory Personal Financial Power of Attorney
Allows your student to name a trusted person to handle financial and legal matters within the powers granted, such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, and handling contracts. A durable power of attorney remains effective if the student becomes incapacitated. Your student chooses the agent and when that authority begins.
Advance Medical Directive
Names a health care agent to make medical decisions if your student cannot make them and records treatment preferences. It helps family members and medical providers understand whom your student wants involved and what care your student would want.
FERPA Waiver
Gives the college written permission to share specified education records with people your student designates, such as a parent. FERPA rights belong to the student at age 18 or upon college attendance, regardless of age. The college may require its own consent form or online authorization.
Ready to Put a Plan in Place
Your student chooses whom to authorize and what information to share. Let us know if your student will attend school outside Maryland so we can discuss any additional considerations.
Call 410-740-1180 or contact our office to get started.
For what changes when a child turns 18 and why these documents matter, read When Your Child Turns 18: What Maryland Parents Should Know.
