Summer Safety Net

Summer is a season for family vacations, camps, educational trips, and visits with grandparents. But what happens if your child is staying with another trusted adult without you and a medical or other important decision needs to be made?

Michigan law provides a useful tool in these situations: a temporary delegation of parental powers through a properly executed power of attorney. The delegation, which can last up to 180 days in most situations, can help parents feel assured that their minor child’s temporary caregivers are appropriately empowered.

For example, if your child is spending significant time with grandparents, an aunt or uncle, or another trusted caregiver, that caregiver may need authority to communicate with healthcare providers, enroll the child in activities, or address day-to-day issues that arise while the parent is unavailable.

Importantly, a delegation of parental powers does not terminate parental rights. The parent retains ultimate authority and may revoke the delegation at any time.

If your family has travel plans that will place your minor children in someone else’s care for a period of time, a properly drafted parental power of attorney can help ensure those caregivers have the authority they need when unexpected situations arise. The attorneys at Wright Beamer can help you determine whether delegating your parental powers is appropriate for your family's circumstances and prepare the necessary documents to provide peace of mind while you're away. Contact us at 248.477.6300.