Peace of Mind While You Unwind

By Dawnelle Schlagel

Planning a nice getaway vacation to escape the cold weather and have some time away from the kids? I’ve got something for you to add to the pre-vacation check list. For those parents who love getting some “me time,” but worry about the kids at home, Iowa has a very simple Power of Attorney (POA) form to put your mind at ease.

Many people have heard of a Power of Attorney—generally when they start estate planning or when a parent designates a child to be the appointed agent over their financial or medical decisions. What is less well known is the Power of Attorney for temporary delegation of child custody. This form allows parents of a minor child to authorize a caregiver to act and make necessary decisions in the parent’s absence. The parents determine when the POA starts and ends, so regardless of plans for a short weekend getaway or a monthlong excursion, you can feel safe knowing that while you’re out snorkeling or simply sleeping on the beach, everything is taken care of at home.

Unlike a guardianship, completing the POA for temporary custody does not require the court’s involvement. All you will need is the signature of a notary public. Once the form is complete, it can be given to schools, doctors, dentists, and your caregiver for safekeeping. It is important to note that, even though almost all providers will accept this form as valid, there is no specific Iowa law supporting it. Although this form is similar to a guardianship, it is not intended to replace the legal process of assigning a permanent guardian for a long period of time. If you have any questions about this POA form and whether it is right for you and your situation, please ask your favorite attorney.