Time flies, doesn’t it? Here’s a checklist to make sure that your children are as prepared as possible before they head off to college. 

1. Lock down legal. We hate to think about accidents or illness—but they happen. Protect your loved ones with these essential documents:

• General durable power of attorney
• Healthcare power of attorney
• HIPAA authorization
• FERPA waiver

Yes, JM LAW will create a customized protection plan for your college student (or young adult)!

2. Gather key documents. Send your kid to college fully prepared, with:

• Copy of birth certificate
• Driver’s license
• Social security number
• Voter registration card or application for an absentee ballot
• Passport

And, a lockbox for safe storage. Take pictures or make copies of key documents and credit cards to keep at your house.

3. Cross t’s and dot i’s on finances. Make sure that your student has access to funds and that all school bills are paid:

• Doublecheck applications for financial aid or loans
• Confirm school deposits and bills have been paid
• Speak with the office of financial aid
• See if there are any additional scholarships available
• Look at credit card limits
• Adjust car insurance
• Set a budget for each semester
• Make sure you have Venmo or another app to get cash to your kid, quickly
• Add some cash to that lockbox ($200?), just in case

4. Think about health. Make sure that your child can get the care they need:

• Find health care facilities at or near the school
• Same for mental health
• Add important phone numbers (for urgent and emergency care) to your student’s phone
• Have them download Uber or Lyft for a ride to the doctor
• Before your child leaves: schedule a physical and a trip to the dentist
• Make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date
• Renew any prescriptions
• Vision check: get extra contacts or glasses
• Add insurance cards to the lockbox
• Complete any required health care forms
• Pack a first aid kit

You might consider opting out of school health care if you have better family coverage, to save some cash. 

We know that the transition can be overwhelming. We’re happy to help you cross a few items off that list by creating a legal protection plan for your college student.

This post was created by Jessica Marchegiano, founder of JM LAW and senior estate planning attorney.