The Gift Your Graduate Won’t Ask For (But Seriously Needs)

Hint: It’s not a car. It’s a Power of Attorney.

Graduation season is full of big dreams, awkward cap tosses, and teary-eyed parents. Whether your grad is 18 or 23, heading to college, backpacking across Europe, or diving straight into their first job, they’re officially stepping into adulthood. And with that shiny new adult status comes a little-known but absolutely critical document: the Power of Attorney.

Now you might be wondering, “Isn’t that for old people with yachts and trusts?” Not quite. A POA isn’t about age—it’s about being prepared.

What is a Power of Attorney (and why should your kid care)?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that lets someone else (trusted and chosen by you) act on your behalf if you’re unable to. That can mean anything from paying bills and accessing bank accounts to making medical decisions in an emergency. It’s like adulting insurance—quietly sitting in a file, ready to step in when life throws a curveball.

There are two main types your graduate should know about:

Financial POA

This lets a designated agent handle things like bank accounts, bills, contracts, and other money-related decisions. It’s helpful if your grad is out of the country, hospitalized, or simply overwhelmed and needs someone to handle the grown-up stuff.

Healthcare POA

Also known as a healthcare proxy, this allows someone to make medical decisions if your child is ever unable to. Not to get dramatic, but hospitals won’t always listen to parents once a child turns 18. With no legal documents in place, your hands could be tied.

Why this is the perfect gift for grads

It signals independence—with backup. Giving your child a POA is like saying, “You’ve got this… but I’ve also got your back.” It shows them what real adult responsibility looks like, and it empowers them to make informed decisions about their own life.

It also provides practical peace of mind. Whether your grad is hiking through Peru or navigating a health issue closer to home, having a POA in place means fewer emergencies turn into chaos.

Plus, it saves time, money, and stress. No scrambling for paperwork. No emergency court filings. Just a signed document that says, “We’ve planned ahead.”

How to give the gift of peace of mind

At High Sierra Legal, we make it easy to create a Power of Attorney that fits your family’s needs—without law firm price tags or stuffy office visits.

Want us to handle it all? Start here.

Prefer to DIY it with our guidance? This option is for you.

Need to chat before making a decision? We’re happy to talk.

Whether your grad is off to college, climbing the career ladder, or still figuring it all out, one thing is certain: adult life moves fast. A Power of Attorney gives you both the confidence to face it head-on.