Your Child Is 18 and Heading to College: What Maryland Parents Need to Know About Estate Planning
Aug 20 2025 17:00

Sending your child off to college is a major milestone filled with excitement and change. But for Maryland parents, it’s also a time to think about important legal protections. Once your child turns 18, they are legally an adult—which means you no longer have automatic rights to make medical or financial decisions on their behalf.

 

At Limsky Law Group in Ellicott City, MD, we work with families throughout Howard County to make sure they’re fully prepared when their children reach adulthood. Here’s what you need to know about estate planning, wills, and probate considerations when your child heads off to college.

1. Understand the Legal Shift at 18

In Maryland, the moment your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic access to their medical records, financial accounts, or legal decisions. Even if you’re paying tuition or supporting them financially, you could be barred from making critical decisions if they’re injured or unable to communicate.

This is why proper estate planning is so important before your child leaves for school.

2. Key Documents Every College-Bound Student Should Have

a. Health Care Power of Attorney (POA)
A healthcare POA (or Advance Directive) allows your child to name someone—often a parent—to make medical decisions if they’re unable to do so. Without this document, you may need a court-appointed guardianship to act on their behalf in a crisis.

b. HIPAA Authorization
HIPAA laws prevent doctors and hospitals from sharing medical information without consent. A HIPAA authorization gives you access to your child’s health records if needed.

c. Durable Financial Power of Attorney
This allows you to manage your child’s bank accounts, sign financial documents, or pay bills if they’re unable to. It can be particularly helpful if your child studies out of state or abroad.

d. Basic Will
While most 18-year-olds don’t have significant assets, a simple will ensures that any savings accounts, vehicles, or personal property are distributed according to their wishes.

3. Why Estate Planning Matters for Young Adults

Accidents and medical emergencies can happen at any age. By putting these documents in place, your child gains peace of mind knowing someone they trust can step in when needed. Parents also avoid the stress and expense of going through probate court or seeking emergency guardianship.

4. How Limsky Law Group Can Help

At Limsky Law Group, we guide families through the estate planning process with care and efficiency. We’ll help you:

  • Draft legally sound POAs, HIPAA authorizations, and wills tailored to Maryland law

  • Explain how these documents work together to protect your child

  • Offer practical advice for maintaining and updating documents over time

Whether your child is moving to college or commuting from home, these protections are essential.

Take Action Before Move-In Day

Before you send your child off to college, schedule a meeting with the experienced estate planning attorneys at Limsky Law Group.

📍 Conveniently located in Ellicott City, MD, we proudly serve clients throughout Howard County, Columbia, and surrounding areas.
📞 Call us today at 443-741-2120 or visit mdestatelawyers.com to schedule a consultation.

Protect your child—and your peace of mind—by making sure the right legal documents are in place before they leave home.