Nothing is more important than health care to families.  But did you know that if your child is graduating from high school or college, he or she may lose their health insurance if they don’t act now?

Under many health insurance policies, your child is probably covered under the parents’ insurance until the age of 25 as long as the child is a full-time student (19 is the cap if they are not a full-time student).  If your child is graduating, he/she may not be considered a “covered dependent” any longer, particularly if he/she is not continuing his or her education.  If that is so, then he/she has only a certain amount of time from the Qualifying Event date (graduation) to elect COBRA coverage to maintain health benefits.  The clock may be ticking.

Be sure to speak with your health insurance agent or your Human Resources Department at work to assure that your child remains covered.

Domestic travel

• You should not need any documentation when traveling with minor children, but it makes things much easier if you have a proper, government issued ID.  For example, if your child has a driver’s license, be sure to have him or her take it with them even if they don’t intend to drive.  If a child is under the driving age, a government issued ID, like a passport or state issued ID is a good idea.
• Similarly, although you may never face a challenge, it is a very good idea for a single, separated, or divorced parent traveling with a child to have a consent form from the current or former spouse indicating that they know the child is traveling outside of the state of residence.

International travel

• Any child of any age traveling out of the country—related or not—needs a passport.  It’s as simple as that – there simply is no longer any easy entry into foreign countries, even those on our borders.  In addition, you also have to comply with any additional document requirements in your destination country.
• For any international travel with children, be sure to have consent forms from a current or former spouse, or parents of unrelated children.

Travel with Unrelated Children

·       If the friend of one of your children is traveling with you, whether in this country  or outside, get a health care power of attorney from the friend’s parents or legal guardian.  If the friend is in need of immediate medical attention, you may need to show a hospital or doctor the power of attorney to get the help needed.  This will allow for medical treatment to proceed, even in circumstances when the parents of the child cannot be reached.

Lawyers have been the subject of jokes since Shakespeare’s time and sometimes with good reason.  But when you’re suddenly faced with losing your home or you’ve been arrested, it might not be so funny.  So who do you call?  Don’t just call anyone -- find a lawyer in your area with the appropriate expertise.  Now more than ever there are many excellent on-line resources to help you find the right lawyer to meet your needs and budget.  While that won’t make your problem go away, knowing you’re being taken care of may bring a smile to your face.

Two things to remember about filing this year's tax return.  First, you're not eligible for your "economic stimulus payment" (great Washington euphemism for the old "tax rebate") unless and until you file your return.  So you have an extra incentive to file by April 15 -- taking an extension won't do the trick.  Second, be sure to file even if you can't pay all of the tax you owe.  The interest and penalties for failure to file are much higher than the interest and penalties if you file, but still owe some tax.  Also beware that if you owe the government back taxes, your stimulus payment will be applied to your tax debt and you may not see it.