What if They’re Too Far Away and Can’t Come Home in an Emergency?
Sending a child off to college is a milestone filled with pride and excitement, but it can also bring serious concerns—especially when it comes to emergencies. What happens if a family crisis, a natural disaster, or a personal emergency arises and your child is too far away to return home quickly? The physical distance can make parents feel helpless, but there are ways to ensure that a young adult is protected and supported, even from afar.
Handling Emergencies from a Distance
Consider a scenario where a student attending college across the country faces a sudden family emergency requiring an immediate trip home. Flight availability, financial constraints, or travel restrictions could delay their return, leaving them feeling stranded. Worse yet, if a natural disaster such as a wildfire or hurricane disrupts their safety, they may have limited access to resources or assistance. According to FEMA, approximately 20% of Americans face a natural disaster each year, highlighting the importance of being prepared for such events.
In these situations, parents often want to step in and assist. However, without the proper legal authority, arranging travel, speaking with their college about missed coursework, or handling urgent financial matters can be difficult.
The Role of a Durable Power of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) is a crucial legal document that allows a parent or other trusted individual to act on a young adult’s behalf in financial and logistical matters. With a DPOA in place, a parent can:
- Access and manage financial accounts if the student is unable to do so.
- Pay rent, tuition, or other necessary expenses in case of an emergency.
- Arrange emergency travel, book flights, and communicate with airlines or hotels.
- Work with the college administration to coordinate class absences, deferments, or necessary accommodations.
Without a DPOA, financial institutions and service providers are not obligated to allow parental intervention, even in urgent situations.
The Importance of an Advance Health Care Directive
A Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) is equally important for young adults. In a medical emergency, this document ensures that health care providers follow a student’s medical wishes if they are unable to communicate them. It also allows a designated person—such as a parent—to make medical decisions on their behalf if necessary. Key benefits of an AHCD include:
- Specifying medical treatment preferences in case of incapacitation.
- Granting parents or trusted individuals the ability to make medical decisions if needed.
- Ensuring that health care providers can share medical information under HIPAA regulations.
Medical emergencies can arise unexpectedly, and without an AHCD, families may struggle to get information or participate in critical decisions regarding their child's care.
The Consequences of Not Having Legal Documents
Without a Durable Power of Attorney or Advance Health Care Directive, parents may find themselves unable to assist their child in emergencies. Whether it’s securing last-minute travel, handling an urgent financial matter, or ensuring proper medical care, a lack of legal authority can lead to delays, stress, and unnecessary complications.
Taking proactive steps to ensure legal preparedness gives both parents and young adults peace of mind. While distance may separate families, the right legal documents provide a safeguard to ensure that a student is never truly alone when facing a crisis.