Your kid turns 18, heads off to college, and suddenly you’re out of the loop. The law says they’re adults. You can’t call their doctor. You can’t check their grades. You can’t renew their registration or get access to their bank account if something goes sideways. They may not have a house or a hefty savings account, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a basic estate plan.
Set Up Core Legal Docs Before They Leave
Start with three essentials: a healthcare power of attorney, a HIPAA authorization, and a durable power of attorney for finances. These are quick to set up and prevent major roadblocks later.
A healthcare power of attorney lets your child pick who can make medical decisions if they’re unconscious or otherwise unable to respond. Usually, that’s a parent, but the state doesn’t assume it. The HIPAA authorization gives that same person access to medical records, which hospitals are legally prohibited from sharing without it. No form, no updates.
A durable financial power of attorney allows you or another trusted adult to handle things like bank accounts, tuition payments, or utility bills if your child is out of reach or unable to act. This is useful if they’re studying out of state or stuck overseas during a semester abroad.
Don’t Overlook Their Academic Life
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) locks down student records, even for parents footing the bill. A FERPA release gives you access to grades, class schedules, and disciplinary records. Without it, you’re in the dark.
If they’re moving off campus, make sure the lease is in order. Some landlords require a co-signer. Clarify who’s on the hook for damage, rent, and the deposit return. It’s better to sort this out before move-in than during a dispute later.
Organize Their Money and Belongings
Even with minimal assets, your adult child needs to make a few choices. A simple will helps direct who gets what; whether that’s a laptop, a checking account balance, or digital files. Without it, Idaho’s default rules take over, and those don’t always line up with your kid’s wishes.
Add payable-on-death (POD) designations to their bank accounts. This allows funds to transfer directly to the chosen person without going through probate. Joint accounts can be helpful, but they may affect financial aid eligibility. Choose carefully.
If they have a car, confirm the title is in their name and registered properly in Idaho. Review their insurance for liability coverage, uninsured motorist protection, and whether your family policy still covers them. A gap in coverage can be a costly mistake.
Make a list of digital assets, like email, cloud storage, and social media. Store usernames and passwords securely. This makes it easier for someone to manage or close these accounts if needed.
Health and Safety Come First
Ask your child to create an advance directive. This document lays out what kind of medical treatment they want, or don’t want, in case of severe illness or injury. It’s a hard conversation, but one that can spare loved ones from guessing during high-stress moments.
Check that the school, landlord, and employer all have up-to-date emergency contact information. That small detail can make a huge difference in a crisis.
Ready to Get These Docs in Place?
Idaho provides clear statutory forms for healthcare powers of attorney and advance directives. These aren’t hard to complete, but they do need to be done right. You also want to keep copies handy in your files.
Eifert Law Firm makes it easy to set up your child’s core estate documents. We handle these forms every day for families who want peace of mind. Call (208) 405-0486 to schedule a quick meeting. We’ll help make sure you’re not locked out when it matters most.
Eifert Law Firm
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