College students need a Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and HIPAA release to protect independence, allow parents access in emergencies, and ensure legal and medical matters are handled.

The moment your child turns 18, you lose the legal right to make medical or financial decisions on their behalf — even in an emergency. Before they leave for college, one simple document can change that. Here's why a Power of Attorney may be the most important thing on your back-to-school checklist.