What is parental power of attorney?
28 Mar What Is Parental Power of Attorney?
Posted at 12:51h
In Power of Attorney
A power of attorney gives another adult authority to make decisions for your children. It is not the appointing of a legal guardian. The parental power of attorney is a temporary measure. It expires automatically after six months in most cases, and one year in the case of active military personnel. In Arizona, a parental power-of-attorney can be used to temporarily give custody of your child to another adult. This document is explained and we explain when you may need it. You can also set the duration of less than six month. You can, for example, name the caregiver of your child as a temporary guardian if you will be away for a few days for work. You can also revoke a parental power of attorney at any time. If you return sooner than expected or change your mind, you can simply revoke the documents.
When Would You Need a Parental Power of Attorney?
Most often, this document is used by members of the military who are about to be deployed overseas. The person they have appointed as their representative can make decisions about their child’s medical care and education while they are away. What Can Someone With Parental POA do?
The representative you choose will be able communicate with teachers and doctors in your place. Your personal representative can sign a permission form for your child to go on a field trip. If your child needs medical care, they can authorize it. It’s important to remember that you won’t lose any parental rights by drafting a
parental powers of attorney
. Your representative will act as a co-guardian during the duration of the agreement. You can also include specific terms in your POA documents. If you choose to use a power of attorney for your children, you must have the documents notarized and witnessed to make them valid. If you will be traveling or deployed overseas, don’t forget to take this important step before you leave the state.Further Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Children
Drafting a parental power of attorney is a useful temporary arrangement. However, there are other, more permanent measures you can take to protect your children’s welfare.The estate planning attorneys at Phelps LaClair can help you:Appoint a guardian (and an alternate guardian) in your will, and make sure it’s
legally valid
.
Set up a trust fund that benefits your children, and appoint a successor trustee to manage the funds.
Draft a durable power of attorney, in case you are ever incapacitated by an accident or injury.
Estate Planning Services for Military Families in the Phoenix Area
Planning for your children’s future is a very important part of parenthood. Phelps LaClair’s attorneys can help you create a customized estate planning plan to protect your children and their financial future. Your initial consultation is free! Your initial consultation is free of charge!
Photo by
- Bermix Studio on Unsplash
- used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 3/24/25.