The Transition to Adulthood: Power of Attorney - What Every Parent Should Know
- Brian Rhinehart
- Jan 25
- 2 min read
When your son or daughter turns 18, it’s a major milestone. Whether they are leaving home for college, traveling, or starting a new job, it marks the beginning of their independence — and brings important legal considerations many families overlook.
What Changes at Age 18
Under federal and Louisiana law, once a young adult turns 18, parents no longer have automatic rights to access their educational, health, or financial information. Colleges and universities are legally prohibited from sharing student records (grades, academic standing, billing) without the student’s written consent. Likewise, hospitals, doctors, and clinics cannot release medical information or consult with you about treatment decisions.
Even in emergencies, without legal authorization, parents may face delays or total restriction from helping their child.
The Simple Legal Solution: A “Power of Attorney” or “Procuration”
A Medical and Educational Power of Attorney (sometimes called a Procuration in Louisiana) allows your young adult to authorize you — the parent, guardian, or trusted relative — to:
Access their educational records and communicate with the school.
Obtain medical information and assist in healthcare decisions.
Act on their behalf regarding Educational or Medical issues if they are incapacitated or away from home.
This is a simple legal safeguard to ensure you can continue to support your child, especially in urgent or unexpected circumstances.
How Mandeville Notary LLC Can Help
At Mandeville Notary LLC, we prepare customized Powers of Attorney that comply with Louisiana law and meet the specific needs of families with college-bound students or young adults entering the workforce.
Our process is straightforward, affordable, and handled with care. We take time to explain each section of the document and ensure your young adult fully understands the authority being granted.
Ready to Get Started?
We invite you to reach out with questions or to schedule an appointment:
Phone: (985) 727-9692
Or read here for information regarding Power Of Attornies in general.
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The article about transitioning to adulthood and power of attorney explains how turning 18 brings major legal changes, where young adults become fully responsible for their own medical and financial decisions unless they set up legal documents like a power of attorney. It highlights how important planning is for families to avoid confusion during emergencies. I read it while managing a stressful school week, and I used StraighterLine Class Help to keep up with my online coursework so I could focus on personal responsibilities too. It helped me stay organized during a busy time. Overall, it shows how preparation makes big life transitions easier.