Part 1-Before They Leave: The Legal Docs Every College Parent Needs With Legal Expert Dawn Norman

Hey there, Mamas! In this 2-part powerful new episode featuring Legal Expert and fellow Mama Bear, Dawn Norman, the creator of The College Send-Off Toolkit we are discussing the step-by-step roadmap she created to help your college-bound student legally document their wishes when it comes to medical emergencies, finances, and end-of-life planning.

This conversation opened my eyes to things I hadn’t even considered. The truth is, once they turn 18, they’re legally adults. That means you may no longer have automatic access to their medical or financial information — and laws around privacy and power of attorney vary by state and institution.

Some of our kids are already managing medical conditions, and when something happens, you want to be able to act quickly and without red tape. And for student-athletes? It’s often not if they get hurt — but when. Having the proper documents in place ensures the right people are making the calls.

And let’s not forget the money: with NIL deals and early earnings, some of our children are making more than we did by the time they step on campus. That’s why a Medical and Financial Power of Attorney isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

Dawn has turned all of this into a clear, customizable workbook for families, and she offers services to walk you through it all. Trust me, this is one of those conversations you want to have before it’s urgent.

So grab your coffee for the morning ride, tune in during your break, or pour a glass of wine and hit play. You won’t want to miss this one.