Why West Michigan High School Grads Need Powers of Attorney Before College

Graduation season in West Michigan is a time of celebration, pride, and preparation. As parents get ready to send their young adults off to college, one crucial legal step is often overlooked: setting up Powers of Attorney. Once your child turns 18, you no longer have the legal authority to make medical or financial decisions on their behalf—even in an emergency.
At Legacy Legal & Business Services, we help families in Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, and throughout West Michigan put these essential documents in place before their students leave for school.

What Are Powers of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives someone (like a parent) the authority to act on another person’s behalf. For college students, there are two key types:
Medical Power of Attorney (Health Care Proxy): Allows you to make medical decisions if your child is unconscious or incapacitated.
Durable Financial Power of Attorney: Gives you authority to handle financial matters such as tuition payments, banking, or dealing with landlords.
for more information check out our Blog Post:
Allegan Attorney, Margaret Webb, Talks Why Graduating 18-Year-Olds Should Get a Power of Attorney

Why College Students Need Powers of Attorney
Even though they may still rely on you for support, your child is now a legal adult. That means without these documents:
You may not be able to speak with doctors or access their health information (HIPAA laws apply).
You can’t step in to help with finances, even if your student is out of the country or in the hospital.
Emergencies become more complicated and stressful without clear legal authority.
Having powers of attorney for college students ensures that you can step in immediately if something happens.

Common Scenarios We See in West Michigan
A Grand Rapids freshman ends up in the ER with a concussion—parents can’t get medical updates.
A student at Western Michigan University loses their debit card—parents can’t help without access.
A Hope College student studying abroad needs help with tuition or lease paperwork—parents can’t sign on their behalf.
Don’t let these common, preventable problems catch your family off guard. Our estate planning for young adults services are designed to give your family peace of mind.

When and How to Get Started
The best time to set up these documents is the summer before your student leaves for school. At Legacy Legal & Business Services PLC, we make the process simple, affordable, and stress-free.
We can help you draft and sign:
Michigan-compliant Durable Power of Attorney
Medical Power of Attorney with HIPAA release
Emergency authorization forms for international or out-of-state students
These can often be included as part of a family estate planning package.

Protect Your Graduate—Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Before your student heads off to college, give yourself peace of mind by getting the right legal protections in place.
👉 Schedule a Free Consultation by visiting our website or calling (616) 681-0100.
👉 Learn More About Our Estate Planning Services
At Legacy Legal & Business Services PLC, we’re proud to serve families across Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, and throughout West Michigan. Let’s make sure your child’s next chapter starts safe and secure.