5 forms you should make your child sign before they leave for college

When children turn 18, they legally become adults, and that shift creates new barriers for parents who still want or need access to their educational, health, and financial information. Experts suggest that families address this transition by having their newly adult children sign several important legal documents.

One of the most useful is a FERPA authorization, which allows parents to access school records such as tuition bills, grades, and transcripts. Without it, parents may have to rely on their children to handle paperwork and deadlines that often require close oversight. Similarly, a HIPAA release permits parents to receive medical information if their child is hospitalized, something that becomes increasingly important once children live away from home.

An advance health care directive is another safeguard, as it designates someone to make medical decisions if the child becomes incapacitated and outlines their preferences for treatment. Power of attorney forms can also be valuable, giving parents the ability to act on behalf of their children in financial or medical matters, depending on the type of authorization. Finally, although not every 18-year-old has significant assets, drafting a simple will ensures that any property or accounts are distributed according to the child’s wishes rather than default state laws.

Convincing an 18-year-old to sign documents that seem to give up some independence can be challenging. Experts recommend presenting the process as a step into responsible adulthood and an act of preparation for unforeseen circumstances. Some families even frame it as a milestone, creating a small signing ceremony to mark the occasion.

For more information see Daniel de Vise “5 forms you should make your child sign before they leave for college,” USA Today, August 10, 2025.