Back-to-School Legal Reminder: One Life-Saving Document Most College Students Don’t Have
August 06, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Crystal McCarthy
Abraham Law
Matthew Abraham, Attorney
Fenton, Michigan
(810) 750-0440 | crystal.abrahamlaw@gmail.com | www.abrahampc.com
Back-to-School Legal Reminder: One Life-Saving Document Most College Students Don’t Have
FENTON, MI — As families across Michigan pack up dorm supplies, finalize tuition payments, and prepare their kids for college life, there’s one essential item that’s often overlooked—a medical power of attorney.
It’s a critical document that could save time, money, and even lives during a medical emergency—but most parents don’t realize they need it until it’s too late.
Attorney Matthew Abraham of Abraham Law in Fenton, Michigan, shares a real story that hit close to home:
“A good friend’s son was riding his bike at college in Chicago when he was hit by a car and rushed to the hospital. Because he was over 18, the doctors wouldn’t release information to his parents or let them make medical decisions. The first question the hospital asked was, ‘Do you have a medical power of attorney?’ They didn’t.”
Now, Abraham is urging parents to prepare ahead of the fall semester. “Once your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic rights to speak on their behalf in a medical emergency,” he explains. “If they’re heading to college—especially out of state—it’s essential to have legal documents in place.”
The Legal Safety Net College Families Need
A medical power of attorney (or healthcare proxy) allows a parent or trusted adult to make medical decisions on behalf of their adult child in the event of an accident or emergency. Without it, even in crisis situations, hospitals may legally be unable to involve parents in decision-making.
Abraham Law offers a college-bound legal package that includes:
- Medical Power of Attorney with HIPAA Authorization
- Financial Power of Attorney (optional, but recommended)
“These documents are quick to prepare and can prevent devastating delays in emergency care decisions,” Abraham notes.
New Video Sheds Light on the Issue
To raise awareness, Abraham Law has released a short video highlighting the real-life consequences of not having a medical power of attorney in place.
Watch the Video Clip on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i6HllX3dBaY
Abraham’s message is simple: “Peace of mind starts with a plan.”
A Growing Need for Young Adults
According to Abraham, this is one of the most overlooked areas in estate planning—especially for families sending their children to college for the first time.
“People think estate planning is only for seniors or the wealthy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Abraham says. “If your 18-year-old is going to college, they need protection too.”
Schedule a Consultation Before Move-In Day
Abraham Law serves families across Genesee, Livingston, Oakland, and Shiawassee counties and is offering consultations this summer to help families get their documents in order before students leave for school.
For more information contact Crystal McCarthy at Abraham Law:
Phone: (810) 750-0440
Email: crystal@abrahampc.com
Website: www.abrahampc.com
About Abraham Law:
With over 30 years of legal experience, Abraham Law helps Michigan families protect what matters most through comprehensive estate planning, business law, and real estate services—offering big-firm knowledge with small-town care.
# # #
Image: Matthew Abraham ESQ.
Contact: Crystal McCarthy
Abraham Law
Matthew Abraham, Attorney
Fenton, Michigan
(810) 750-0440 | crystal.abrahamlaw@gmail.com | www.abrahampc.com
FENTON, MI — As families across Michigan pack up dorm supplies, finalize tuition payments, and prepare their kids for college life, there’s one essential item that’s often overlooked—a medical power of attorney.
It’s a critical document that could save time, money, and even lives during a medical emergency—but most parents don’t realize they need it until it’s too late.
Attorney Matthew Abraham of Abraham Law in Fenton, Michigan, shares a real story that hit close to home:
“A good friend’s son was riding his bike at college in Chicago when he was hit by a car and rushed to the hospital. Because he was over 18, the doctors wouldn’t release information to his parents or let them make medical decisions. The first question the hospital asked was, ‘Do you have a medical power of attorney?’ They didn’t.”
Now, Abraham is urging parents to prepare ahead of the fall semester. “Once your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic rights to speak on their behalf in a medical emergency,” he explains. “If they’re heading to college—especially out of state—it’s essential to have legal documents in place.”
The Legal Safety Net College Families Need
A medical power of attorney (or healthcare proxy) allows a parent or trusted adult to make medical decisions on behalf of their adult child in the event of an accident or emergency. Without it, even in crisis situations, hospitals may legally be unable to involve parents in decision-making.
Abraham Law offers a college-bound legal package that includes:
- Medical Power of Attorney with HIPAA Authorization
- Financial Power of Attorney (optional, but recommended)
“These documents are quick to prepare and can prevent devastating delays in emergency care decisions,” Abraham notes.
New Video Sheds Light on the Issue
To raise awareness, Abraham Law has released a short video highlighting the real-life consequences of not having a medical power of attorney in place.
Watch the Video Clip on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i6HllX3dBaY
Abraham’s message is simple: “Peace of mind starts with a plan.”
A Growing Need for Young Adults
According to Abraham, this is one of the most overlooked areas in estate planning—especially for families sending their children to college for the first time.
“People think estate planning is only for seniors or the wealthy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Abraham says. “If your 18-year-old is going to college, they need protection too.”
Schedule a Consultation Before Move-In Day
Abraham Law serves families across Genesee, Livingston, Oakland, and Shiawassee counties and is offering consultations this summer to help families get their documents in order before students leave for school.
For more information contact Crystal McCarthy at Abraham Law:
Phone: (810) 750-0440
Email: crystal@abrahampc.com
Website: www.abrahampc.com
About Abraham Law:
With over 30 years of legal experience, Abraham Law helps Michigan families protect what matters most through comprehensive estate planning, business law, and real estate services—offering big-firm knowledge with small-town care.
# # #
Image: Matthew Abraham ESQ.
Contact:
Crystal McCarthy
crystal@ahrahampc.com, 810-750-0440
