Powers of Attorney for Michigan College Students Turning 18
A power of attorney for college students is one of the most important legal documents families often overlook. Turning 18 feels like a milestone worth celebrating, especially for a high school senior heading off to college. Legally, though, it strips parents of the automatic authority they once had over their child’s finances, health records, and school information. A short conversation before move-in day can prevent a serious headache later.
What Changes the Moment a Child Turns 18: Power of Attorney for College Students
Once a child reaches 18, Michigan law treats them as a legal adult in every respect. Parents can no longer access medical records or discuss grades with a professor without written authorization. Even loving, involved parents can be locked out of critical information if a student is injured or hospitalized while away at school.
Federal privacy laws compound the problem. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act restricts a university from sharing academic records with parents unless the student consents. HIPAA imposes similar restrictions on medical providers treating the student.
Michigan’s Uniform Power of Attorney Act Provides the Framework
Michigan adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act effective July 1, 2024. It replaced the durable power of attorney provisions previously found in the Estates and Protected Individuals Code. The new law standardizes execution requirements and clarifies an agent’s authority and duties.
A financial power of attorney lets a college student name a parent, or another trusted adult, to handle banking, tuition payments, and lease agreements. Because the UPOAA presumes durability unless the document says otherwise, this authority continues even if the student becomes incapacitated.
Three Documents Every College-Bound Michigan Student Should Sign: Power of Attorney for College Students
A complete plan for a college student typically includes three separate documents. First, a durable financial power of attorney lets a parent manage money matters. Second, a patient advocate designation lets a parent make medical decisions if the student cannot communicate. This is Michigan’s version of a healthcare power of attorney. Third, a HIPAA authorization permits doctors and hospitals to share health information with named family members.
Parents should also ask the student to sign a FERPA release with the university itself. A power of attorney alone does not compel a school registrar to share academic records.
Timing Matters More Than Most Families Realize
These documents only work if they exist before an emergency happens. A student who suffers a serious injury cannot sign a power of attorney after losing capacity to make decisions. Families should complete this planning during the summer before the first semester begins.
College orientation season creates a natural checkpoint for this conversation. Pairing the paperwork with other back-to-school tasks, like opening a bank account, makes the process feel routine rather than alarming.
Related Resources
How Castle Wealth Group Legal Can Help
Castle Wealth Group Legal prepares complete young-adult planning packages for Michigan families sending a child to college. Our attorneys draft the financial power of attorney, patient advocate designation, and HIPAA authorization as a set. Parents can then act quickly if something goes wrong. Contact our office before your student packs for the dorm and get this planning handled early.