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A Temporary Guardianship Form, formally known as an Appointment of Short-Term Guardianship, allows you to appoint a temporary guardian without court approval. This form grants informal guardianship and only requires your signature to be witnessed and notarized, which you can typically do quickly at your local bank.

A Short-Term Guardianship, Healthcare Power of Attorney, and Caregiver's Authorization Affidavit are essential legal tools that give another adult temporary guardianship over a minor child. This guardianship lasts for a period set by the parents, offering a flexible solution for temporary care.

It's often wise to have a short-term guardianship form that grants another trusted adult permission to care for your child in specific situations. Whether your child is being enrolled in school, cared for by a relative while you’re away, or with someone due to an emergency, a short-term guardianship can make this process much smoother.

According to the 2018-19 National Core Indicators In-Person Survey, 53.4% of respondents with intellectual and developmental disabilities had a guardian, with the proportion varying by state.

Important Considerations for School Enrollment

If the short-term guardian will be registering or enrolling the child in school, it's essential that your guardianship form includes the language and documents schools commonly require. Schools may decline the form if it does not include a Caregiver’s Affidavit, a Healthcare Power of Attorney, and a Medical Information Disclosure.

Here are key provisions commonly found in short-term guardianship forms:

  • Establishes the affidavit as a Caregiver’s Authorization.
  • Grants the short-term guardian healthcare power of attorney and authority to approve or deny medical care for the child in the parent's absence. This also includes the ability to complete insurance claims and paperwork.
  • Provides authority to make educational decisions, sign necessary documents, and approve activities such as school enrollment, school trips, and conferences.
  • Authorizes the temporary guardian to handle all matters related to the child’s care, including signing custody-related documents.
  • Includes a travel clause so the child can accompany the temporary guardian on trips, with optional restrictions if necessary.
  • Ensures compliance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) guidelines.
  • Sets a specific timeframe for the guardianship.
  • Offers a revocation form to end temporary guardianship when needed.

Medical Information Form

For any medical care, most clinics require guardianship documentation along with a Healthcare Power of Attorney. Our guardianship forms include a Medical Information Form where parents can outline any health conditions, medications, and insurance details, as well as emergency contact information.

If you’re ready to discuss your guardianship needs, call our office at (630) 528-2725 or schedule a consultation. You can also fill out our confidential contact form, and we’ll reach out promptly.

Learn more about guardianship laws and requirements here.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Each individual's legal needs are unique, and these materials may not be applicable to your legal situation. Always seek the advice of a competent attorney with any questions you may have regarding a legal issue. Do not disregard professional legal advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.

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