The 18-Plus Starter Pack — FERPA, HIPAA, and POA for College Students
When a student turns 18, parents lose automatic access to school and medical records. A short set of signed forms restores it.
Written by: Terry May
NNA-Certified Loan Signing Agent | Mobile Notary Public — 25+ years in Ohio lending
On a student's 18th birthday, the legal landscape changes overnight. Schools no longer share grades or enrollment information with parents by default. Hospitals will not discuss the student's care without written authorization. A short set of forms — signed by the student and properly notarized — restores the access most families assume they still have.
What Each Form Does
The four documents families ask about most:
— FERPA release: Lets the school share educational records and discuss the student with named family members — HIPAA authorization: Allows doctors and hospitals to share medical information with named individuals — Healthcare Power of Attorney: Names someone to make medical decisions if the student cannot — Durable Power of Attorney: Lets a trusted person handle banking, lease, and administrative matters
Not every family needs all four. Ask the student's school and your attorney which ones fit.
Before We Arrive
A quick checklist that keeps the signing short:
— Current government-issued photo ID for the student — Each form printed and completed, but unsigned — The student physically present — Witnesses arranged if any form requires them
We handle these at homes, before the move-in date, or at hospital bedside if the student has been admitted. Same-day available across our six-county service area.
Questions? Call (513) 226-9052 and we will help you plan.
We serve Hamilton, Warren, Butler, Montgomery, Greene, and Clinton Counties—see Service Areas.
Before We Arrive
Have your completed documents ready — unsigned. Bring a valid photo ID. If your documents require witnesses, ask us when you schedule and we will advise. We come to your home and work at your pace.
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Related Services
Hospital & Bedside Notary →
Bedside signings at hospitals, rehab, hospice, and senior living — coordinated with staff.
Wills, Trusts & Probate →
Wills, trusts, and probate documents notarized with full ID verification.
Real Estate Closings →
Purchase, refi, HELOC, and seller packages witnessed at the kitchen table or closing site.
We sit at kitchen tables across Warren, Hamilton, Butler, Montgomery, Greene, and Clinton counties for wills, POAs, and healthcare directives. If you're in Mason, Lebanon, Springboro, or anywhere in the Dayton-Cincinnati corridor, same-day home visits are usually available.
Ready to get these documents signed?
We come to your home, work at your pace. Most estate signings take 30-45 min.
25+ years in commercial and residential lending. Mobile notary serving Warren, Greene, Clinton, Butler, Hamilton, and Montgomery counties. Background screened, E&O insured, and impartial witness only — no legal advice.
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