Protecting your kids

By Patricia Nugent

With the start of the school year comes carpools, drop-off lines and after-care pick-ups. Many busy working moms and dads depend on their parents to help with these tasks.

And while your own parents might be the most trusted options for you, if something goes wrong, what are the legal ramifications? Attorney Margaret T. Karl offers some insight.

“Schools and most childcare organizations should require a legal written authorization or release for a grandparent to pick up a child,” she says. “This should provide for situations including if a parent is sick or out of town, or whether on a semi-regular or regular basis.”

She notes that with HIPAA privacy laws, a grandparent might not be granted access to a child if, say, he or she breaks their arm.

“I can easily draft an authorization document for families through email if they are strapped for time and cannot meet with me personally,” says Margie.

Another legal situation to consider this fall—that many parents might not be aware of—is the importance of having a healthcare power of attorney for kids going away to college.

“Children over 18 years of age are considered legal adults,” she explains. “If there’s a car accident or sickness, parents cannot communicate with any medical practitioners about their care or make any decisions about treatment.”

She reports that getting a healthcare power of attorney is simple and takes about a half hour in her office.

“I’ve seen catastrophic consequences that have befallen students who are in school far away, or abroad, and parents cannot communicate with anyone when they get sick or hurt,” she adds.

Margaret T. Karl, attorney at law, is located at 25800 North Depot Street, Suite 102, in Olmsted Falls. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 440-782-5051 or visit OlmstedOhioLaw.com.