Secure your children’s future with a temporary guardian

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If you are an immigrant in the United States, it is important to take steps to protect your children in case you are unable to pick them up from school or care for them due to detention or an emergency. Having a family plan and appointing a temporary guardian allows you to prevent them from being placed in the foster care system without your consent.

Additionally, establishing a temporary guardianship is a proactive step to ensure your children’s well-being during a parent’s temporary absence, allowing a trusted person to make decisions in the child’s best interest.

📌 How does it work?

➡️Choose a trusted person who is a U.S. citizen or a legal resident (green card holder) who can temporarily care for your children.
➡️ Complete a temporary guardianship form or a power of attorney that is valid in your state.
➡️ Sign and notarize the document to ensure its legal validity.
➡️Inform the school and other caregivers about your plan.
➡️ Write that person’s contact information inside your children’s shoes.

✅ It’s easy, fast, and can make a difference in your family’s life.

📖 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is temporary guardianship or power of attorney, and why is it important?

Temporary guardianship allows a trusted adult to make decisions for your children if you are unable to do so. In an emergency where the parents are absent and this document is not in place, the state could send your children to foster care, separating them from their family and loved ones.

2. Who can be a temporary guardian?

They must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, over 18 years old, trustworthy, and able to temporarily care for your children. This person can be a family member, close friend, or neighbor.

3. Do I need a lawyer to create this document?

In many states, you can fill out and sign the form without a lawyer, but it is recommended to review your state’s specific instructions and, if possible, consult a family lawyer for guidance.

4. Where can I find the correct forms?

Each state has its own requirements. In the state section, you will find the specific forms and organizations that can help you.

5. How long is temporary guardianship valid?

It depends on the state, but it usually lasts from 6 months to 1 year and can be renewed if necessary.

Can I cancel or change the guardianship at any time?

Yes, as a parent, you have the right to cancel or modify the temporary guardianship at any time.

In some states, it may be necessary to sign the revocation before a notary. To revoke it, you must draft a cancellation letter and notify all involved parties (guardian, school, doctors, etc).

7. Do I lose my parental rights if I sign this document?

No. It remains a temporary measure that only allows another person to care for your children if you are unable to do so. It does not affect your legal authority as a parent or mean that you lose custody. Additionally, you are still responsible for your children’s care.

8. Do I need to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident to appoint a temporary guardian?

No. Any parent, regardless of their immigration status, can complete this document to protect their children. However, choose someone with legal status in the country to care for your children.

General Procedure

Laws on temporary guardianship of minors vary by state. Some states allow parents to establish temporary guardianship without court intervention, while others require filing a petition with the court. Additionally, in certain states, parents can grant a Power of Attorney (POA) to another person to make decisions about the child’s care without a formal legal process. It is important to understand the options available in your state and the differences between these legal mechanisms to choose the one that best fits your situation and family needs.

If you only need someone to temporarily help with decisions related to school, health, or general child care, a Power of Attorney (POA) may be sufficient.
If you need a legally enforceable agreement with court protection, or if there is a possibility of a prolonged absence, Temporary Guardianship is the best option.

Recommendations

Legal Consultation: Due to variations in state laws, it is advisable to consult a family law attorney to ensure that the agreement complies with local regulations.
Communication: Inform relevant institutions (schools, doctors, etc.) about the temporary guardianship agreement and provide copies of the document as needed.

Resources by State

Below, you will find the resources and forms available by state to appoint someone in charge of your children’s care. In most cases, notarizing the agreement will be necessary for it to have legal validity.

Fortunately, finding a notary in the United States is a simple process. Before going, it is recommended to call ahead to confirm service availability.

✅ Banks: Many financial institutions offer notary services for free to their customers.
✅ UPS Stores: They often have notaries available for an affordable fee (usually less than $10). Find a UPS Store near you Here.

Power of Attorney Forms by State

Alabama

In Alabama, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Alabama Minor Child Power of Attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Alabama Minor Child Power of Attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year
Power of attorney needs to be recorded with the local court to be valid

Alaska

In Alaska, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Delegation of Powers Over Minor Child to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

El form
The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Delegation of Powers Over Minor Child»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year

Arizona

In Arizona, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Minor Children Power of Attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to six months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Minor Children Power of Attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and one Witness in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months

Find a list of local organizations that offer support here.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney for Minor to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until stated on the form or until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney for Minor»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until stated on the form or until revoked

California

In California, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney for Minor to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until stated on the form or until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney for Minor»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians, Temporary Guardian and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until stated on the form or until revoked

Find a list of local organizations that offer support here.

Colorado

In Colorado, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Delegation of Power by Parent or Guardian to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to twelve months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Delegation of Power by Parent or Guardian»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 12 Months

Connecticut

In Connecticut, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Minor (Child) Power of Attorney Form to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to twelve months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Minor (Child) Power of Attorney Form»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians, Temporary Guardian and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 12 Months

Delaware

In Delaware, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Minor Child Power of Attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to twelve months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Minor Child Power of Attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and one Witness in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 12 Months

District of Colombia

In the District of Columbia, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Custodial Powers of Attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until stated on the form or until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Custodial Powers of Attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until stated on the form or until revoked

Find a list of local organizations that offer support here.

Florida

In Florida, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney (Temporary) for the Care of Children to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until stated on the form or until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney (Temporary) for the Care of Children»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until stated on the form or until revoked

Find a list of local organizations that offer support here.

Georgia

In Georgia, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year

Find a list of local organizations that offer support here.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Minor (Child) Power of Attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Minor (Child) Power of Attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year

Idaho

In Idaho, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney Delegating Parental Powers to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for 6 months if the Temporary Guardian is not a relative; if relative, then up to 3 years.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney Delegating Parental Powers»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months if Temporary Guardian is not a relative, if relative then up to 3 years

Illinois

In Illinois, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Appointment of Short-Term Guardian to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Appointment of Short-Term Guardian»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians, Temporary Guardian and Two Witnesses
Notarization is recommended
Valid for: 1 Year

Indiana

In Indiana, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Parental Power of Attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Parental Power of Attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians, Temporary Guardian and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year

Iowa

In Iowa, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Durable Power of Attorney for Minor Child to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until stated on the form or until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Durable Power of Attorney for Minor Child»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until stated on the form or until revoked

Kansas

In Kansas, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Education Related Decisions to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Education Related Decisions»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until revoked

Kentucky

In Kentucky, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney for Temporary Delegation of Parental or Legal Custody and Care to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until stated on the form or until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney for Temporary Delegation of Parental or Legal Custody and Care»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until stated on the form or until revoked

Louisiana

In Louisiana, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Provisional Custody by Mandate (PCBM) to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Provisional Custody by Mandate (PCBM)»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians, Temporary Guardian and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year

Maine

In Maine, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney for Minor to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney for Minor»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year

Maryland

In Maryland, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney and Designation of Temporary Guardian for Minor Child to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney and Designation of Temporary Guardian for Minor Child»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians, Temporary Guardian and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Minor (Child) Power of Attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to sixty days.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Minor (Child) Power of Attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians, Temporary Guardian and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 60 Days

Michigan

In Michigan, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Parental Power of Attorney Form to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to six months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Parental Power of Attorney Form»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months

Minnesota

In Minnesota, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Delegation of Powers by Parent (DOPA) to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Delegation of Powers by Parent (DOPA)»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year

Mississippi

In Mississippi, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Mississippi Statutory Power of Attorney to Delegate Parental or Legal Custodian Powers to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form This form is called «Mississippi Statutory Power of Attorney to Delegate Parental or Legal Custodian Powers»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year

Missouri

In Missouri, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Minor (Child) Power of Attorney Form to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Minor (Child) Power of Attorney Form»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians, Temporary Guardian and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year

Montana

In Montana, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney for care, custody or property of minor child form to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to six months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney for care, custody or property of minor child form»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and one Witness in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months

Nebraska

In Nebraska, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Temporary Delegation of Parental Powers to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to six months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Temporary Delegation of Parental Powers»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months

Nevada

In Nevada, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Six Month Temporary Guardianship to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to six months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Six Month Temporary Guardianship»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months

Find a list of local organizations that offer support here.

New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney for Delegation of Parental Rights to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until stated on the form or until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney for Delegation of Parental Rights»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until stated on the form or until revoked

New Jersey

In New Jersey, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to six months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months

New Mexico

In New Mexico, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to six months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months

New York

In New York, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Designation of Person in Parental Relation to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Designation of Person in Parental Relation»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year

Find a list of local organizations that offer support here.

North Carolina

In North Carolina, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until stated on the form or until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until stated on the form or until revoked

Find a list of local organizations that offer support here.

North Dakota

In North Dakota, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power Of Attorney For Care And Custody Of Minor Child(ren) Form to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to six months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power Of Attorney For Care And Custody Of Minor Child(ren) Form»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months

Ohio

In Ohio, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Limited Power of Attorney for Child to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until stated on the form or until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Limited Power of Attorney for Child»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until stated on the form or until revoked

Find a list of local organizations that offer support here.

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of attorney to delegate parental or legal custodian powers to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of attorney to delegate parental or legal custodian powers» in the presence of a notary.
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year

Find a list of local organizations that offer support here.

Oregon

In Oregon, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Delegation of Parental/Guardian Powers Form to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to six months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Delegation of Parental/Guardian Powers Form»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Minor child power of attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until stated on the form or until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Minor child power of attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians, Temporary Guardian and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until stated on the form or until revoked

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Minor child power of attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until stated on the form or until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Minor child power of attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until stated on the form or until revoked

South Carolina

In South Carolina, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Minor child power of attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until stated on the form or until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Minor child power of attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians, Temporary Guardian and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until stated on the form or until revoked

Find a list of local organizations that offer support here.

South Dakota

In South Dakota, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Minor child power of attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until stated on the form or until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Minor child power of attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until stated on the form or until revoked

Tennessee

In Tennessee, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult until stated on the form or until revoked.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians, Temporary Guardian and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: Until stated on the form or until revoked

Find a list of local organizations that offer support here.

Texas

In Texas, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Authorization Agreement for Voluntary Adult Caregiver to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for 6 months and one extension of 6 months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Authorization Agreement for Voluntary Adult Caregiver»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months and one extension of 6 Months

Find a list of local organizations that offer support here.

Utah

In Utah, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of Attorney over Protected Person or Minor Child to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to six months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of Attorney over Protected Person or Minor Child»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months

Vermont

In Vermont, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Minor Child Power of Attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to six months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Minor Child Power of Attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months

Virginia

In Virginia, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Power of attorney to delegate parental or legal custodial powers to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to six months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Power of attorney to delegate parental or legal custodial powers»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians, Temporary Guardian and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months

Washington

In Washington, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Parents’ Intention for Care of Minor Child to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to two years.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Parents’ Intention for Care of Minor Child»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Two Witnesses (Optional) in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 2 Years

West Virginia

In West Virginia, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Delegation of care and custody of a child to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Delegation of care and custody of a child»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Temporary Guardian in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Delegation of power by parent to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to one year.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Delegation of power by parent»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians, Temporary Guardian and Two Witnesses (optional but recommended) in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 1 Year

Wyoming

In Wyoming, a parent, guardian, or custodian can use the Minor Child Power of Attorney to temporarily grant parental rights to another adult for up to six months.

The form can be found here: Download Form
This form is called «Minor Child Power of Attorney»
It must be signed by Parents/Legal Guardians and Two Witnesses in the presence of a notary.
Notarization is required
Valid for: 6 Months