Is Your Child Really Ready for Adulthood? Why Every High School Senior Needs a Legal Toolkit Before Graduation

College dorms, boot camp, new jobs, and gap years are all part of the plan—but is your child legally protected before they go?

As parents, we plan for everything. We help our children choose what’s next. We research dorm essentials, coordinate enlistment paperwork, help them write their first résumés, or plan for a gap year.

But there’s one thing many families overlook—and it could be the most important of all.

Once your child turns 18, you no longer have the automatic legal right to make decisions on their behalf.

That means if they’re in an accident, hospitalized, need emergency support, or have a critical decision to make—you may not be allowed to help. Not unless you have the right documents in place.

The Legal Shift at 18

At age 18, your child becomes a legal adult—even if they still rely on you for guidance, money, or day-to-day help. In the eyes of the law, they now have full control over:

• Their medical care

• Their finances

• Their education records

• Their digital accounts

And without proper legal planning, you may find yourself on the outside looking in—when they need you the most.

That’s Where the College Bound Legal Toolkit Comes In

The College Bound Legal Toolkit was created to empower all young adults and their families with the legal protection they need—before they leave home, regardless of the path they choose.

Whether your high school senior is headed to:

• College

• The military

• A new job or internship

• A gap year or alternative program

…this toolkit ensures they’re protected, and you’re empowered to support them when it matters.

What’s Included in the Toolkit?

✅ Durable Power of Attorney — To help manage finances or legal matters in an emergency

✅ Health Care Surrogate (Medical Power of Attorney) — To make medical decisions if they can’t

✅ HIPAA Authorization — To receive updates from doctors or hospitals

✅ FERPA Release — To access school records if applicable

✅ Living Will — To ensure their wishes are known

✅ Digital Asset Authorization — To manage email, social media, and online accounts

✅ Last Will & Testament — To give them basic legacy protection

This Isn’t Just Paperwork—It’s Peace of Mind

These documents are more than forms. They’re preparedness. They’re protection. They’re a parent's love, in legal form.

We hope you’ll never need them. But if something happens, you’ll be grateful they’re already in place.

Celebrate and Protect Their Milestone Moment

To honor this huge transition in their lives, we’re hosting College Bound Signing Ceremonies—but they’re for all seniors, no matter where they’re headed.

A space to celebrate. Thoughtful gifts for each senior. A guided signing moment to mark the shift into adulthood

Whether they’re college-bound, mission-bound, workforce-bound, or still figuring it out—this is their moment, and they deserve to step into it protected and proud.

Upcoming Ceremony Dates:

🗓️ June 14 | July 12 | August 9📍

🔗 reserve your spot at www.geffrard.com/collegebound

✨ Private sessions available upon request

Final Thoughts

Sending your child into adulthood is exciting—and overwhelming. The College Bound Legal Toolkit gives you the peace of mind that comes with being prepared.

Because no matter where they’re headed next, your child deserves more than a send-off. They deserve legal protection that honors their independence and your role as their parent.

Ready to get started? Visit 👉 www.geffrard.com/collegebound to learn more and reserve your spot.