What documents does Student Legal Services recommend?
Once your student turns 18, you may be surprised to learn that you may no longer have automatic access to help with their medical or financial matters—even in an emergency. That’s why we strongly recommend that students consider completing the following legal documents:
- Healthcare Power of Attorney: authorizes someone to make medical decisions if your student is unable to do so.
- Financial Power of Attorney: allows someone to manage financial matters on their behalf.
- Declaration for Mental Health Treatment: outlines preferences and authorizes treatment for specifically for mental health care.
- HIPAA Release: permits the release of protected health information to designated individuals.
These documents can be critical in the event of an accident, illness, or other emergency, and they ensure your student’s wishes are respected while also allowing trusted individuals to assist as needed.
Please, do not pay a third-party service to prepare these documents. Ohio State students already have access to these services through Student Legal Services (SLS) at no additional cost beyond the annual SLS participation fee. The SLS fee is significantly lower than what you would pay for similar services online or through a private attorney. Our licensed attorneys routinely assist students with drafting, explaining, and executing these documents in a way that is legally sound and tailored to their needs.