Power of Attorney for your teenager

When a child turns 18 he or she becomes an adult in the eyes of the law, and parents no longer have the automatic right to act for that child.  Having your child sign a power of attorney naming one or both parents as agent ("attorney-in-fact") may help you deal with business, legal and medical issues that can arise, particularly for college students who are far from home.    Without a power of attorney parents of an adult child have no right to access medical records for their child.  If a child is hurt or sick the power of attorney should allow parents to obtain information and make medical decisions.   So as your child prepares to leave for college, add a power of attorney to your to-do list.