LEGAL ESSENTIALS FOR PROTECTING YOUR COLLEGE-AGED CHILD

Did you know that in New York once your child turns 18 you are no longer legally entitled to know anything about them? Their school can’t talk to you, even if you are paying for their education. Their health care providers can’t talk to you, even though you are their parent, and even if they are covered under your health insurance.

This means, if your child is in an accident and becomes incapacitated, even temporarily, you might need court approval to act on his or her behalf. What can you do if your child needs your help or needs you to decide for them, even one that could save their life?

The answer? All you need are two simple documents: a Power of Attorney and a Health Care Proxy. These two documents can help prevent a potentially tragic situation. The Health Care Proxy allows your child to name another person (typically you) to access their medical information and make medical decisions for them if they are unable to make or communicate such decisions on their own. The Power of Attorney allows your child to name another person (again, typically you) to take over financial matters, if need be, such as handling bank accounts, signing tax returns, and making other non-medical decisions.
Listen to Marci Goldfarb, Esq., Partner and Trusts and Estates practice leader at Schwartz Ettenger explain “Why You Need a Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy for Your College-Aged Children” below:

Listen to Marci Goldfarb, Esq.

After listening to Marci, feel free to contact her with any questions or concerns about protecting your college-age child and securing your peace of mind Marci can be reached at: 631-777-2401, or msg@selawny.com.