Estate planning for college
By Beth Newcomb
“When a child turns 18, the law recognizes him or her as an adult—no matter what,” explains John J. Urban, an attorney who has concentrated in estate management since the mid ‘70s.
That means if your kid gets sick or injured while away at college, you don’t have the right to medical information or to make critical decisions about his or her care.
John recounts the story of a family whose son was skiing in Colorado and had an accident. Frantic, the parents tried to get information from the hospital about him and could learn nothing because he was 18. The father had to hop on a plane in the middle of the night to find out if he was alive, dead or injured. The good news was his injuries were mild.
To help parents avoid this scenario, and protect kids who are going off to college, John has created an exclusive Young Adult Estate Planning Kit, offered at a special discounted rate for July and August, for young adults ages 18 to 25. Included is a durable power of attorney for both medical and financial as well as a living will. Last will and testaments are offered at an additional charge.
“Without these documents, you as the parent have no right to make medical or end-of-life decisions for your child,” John cautions. “Now is the time to put them in place, before the college years begin.”
Sometimes the issues parents need to deal with are benign but still important.
“My son’s car insurance needed to be straightened out while he was at college, but the insurance company wouldn’t talk to me without a financial power of attorney,” John says. “Fortunately I had it.”
For Mimi readers, John provides a free, 45-minute legal services consultation in person or on the phone and offers his services at a contracted discount rate. Be sure to mention this story when you schedule an appointment. House calls and select evening appointments available.
To reach attorney John J. Urban, call 440-846-0000, ext. 227. His offices are located at 11221 Pearl Road, in Strongsville. Visit the website at JJUrbanLaw.com.