What Is a Power of Attorney for Child?
A power of attorney for a child is a legal document that gives parental consent to an agent to make decisions on behalf of parents while they are away from home for a specific period of time. The power of attorney (POA) form for a child is usually valid for 6 and 12 months.
If you want the custody of your child to be beyond 12 months, then you will have to file guardianship papers at the court. Depending on your state of residence, you may need to sign the POA for a minor in the presence of a notary or at least two witnesses with no blood or marriage relation.
When to Use The Power of Attorney Form for Child
There are different purposes or reasons you can use a power of attorney for child form. Generally, you should use the form when you are leaving your minor in someone's care for a long period. You can also use the power of attorney template for children when you work in the Army and the Army authorities deploy you to a place far away from home. Other reasons to write a POA for minors are when you will be admitted to the hospital for treatment or when you need someone to take care of your child while you are away.
The POA for minor is usually used for any type of short-term reasons like:
- Jail time
- Vacation
- Surgery
- Military service
- Business trips
How to Get a Power of Attorney Form for Minor?
Getting a POA for a minor is a simple process that requires the consent of the minor's parents. A POA for minors usually lasts between 6 months and one year. If you intend to take custody of a child beyond one year, you will need to approach a court of competent jurisdiction to file guardianship papers.
To get a power of attorney form for minors, here is the step you will go through.
Step 1 – Appoint Someone (agent) You Trust
The first step to take is to appoint someone you trust. Remember, the person you appoint would make important decisions on your behalf regarding the welfare of your child while you are not around. The agent will be responsible for your child's education, diet, and exercise till the POA expires.
Step 2 – Start and End Dates
After appointing an agent, the next step is to specify the time period you want the agent to act on your behalf. Clearly state the timeframe in the POA before appending your signature.
Step 3 – Highlight The Powers and Responsibilities of The Agent
Once you are done with setting the timeline, the next step is to specify the powers and responsibilities of the agent. Be clear in the responsibilities you set for the agent. For instance, you can request the agent to pick up your child from school.
Step 4 – Signing the Form
You must sign the POA form for minors before it is valid. Generally, the law requires that you sign the form in the presence of a notary or at least two witnesses, or both.
Step 5 – Using the Form
For the usage of the form, you must present the form each time you want to be away from your child. An original copy may be required depending on the institution or situation.
Conclusion
The general power of attorney for care and custody of child free is an important legal document that you should possess if you want to authorize an agent to act on your behalf over your child while you are away from home. Regardless of the type of power of attorney that you need, you can get samples here on our website for free.
