Congratulations to everyone headed off to college. My favorite Animal House quote is when Belushi says “seven years of college down the drain”. Although college should be stimulating from both an academic and social perspective, try not to be there for seven years.
I always tell people that you are never too young to implement an estate plan and a college bound teen is a perfect example. Turning eighteen makes you an adult, now responsible for your own financial and medical affairs. While a typical eighteen-year-old may not necessarily benefit from a Last Will and Testament (although some might), it is extremely important to execute a power of attorney and health care proxy prior to leaving for college.
It is a scary thought to think about losing capacity at an early age, but unfortunately, it happens. Contact us to assist you with these documents and have fun in college.
Salvatore Di Costanzo is a local elder law, estate planning and special needs planning attorney who can be reached at 914-925-1010 or by e-mail at smd@mfd-law.com. You can also visit his practice specific website at www.plantodayfortomorrow.com. His firm prepares powers of attorney and health care proxies for college bound students at significantly discounted rates.
