Alternatives to Guardianship
Alternatives to Guardianship – A guardianship is not always necessary. A parent or both parents may need another adult or relative to take care of their children for a while (like if they are worried they may be separated from their children for immigration reasons. Or, if they are unable to take care of their children temporarily). If the parents signs papers giving another adult the right to take care of their children they may not need a guardianship.
If the parents agree to let another adult take care of their child, they are not dangerous to the child in any way, and want to avoid having to go to court:
- They can sign a Power of Attorney for a Minor Child in front of a notary that gives another adult physical “custody” of the child and lets that person make decisions about the child’s education and medical care.
- The adult caring for the children should make sure to have the child’s health insurance information. To add the child to their health insurance, they will probably need a court-ordered guardianship of the person. Most insurance companies will not cover a minor who is not the child of the insured without a court order.
- The parents can cancel the Power of Attorney at any time.
Alternatives to Guardianship – If the child will remain in California, the person taking care of the child can complete and sign a Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit:
- If the person taking care of the child is a relative, this form lets him or her enroll the child in school. It also gives the relative the same rights as a guardian to get medical care, including mental health treatment, for the child. The back of the affidavit has a list of which relatives qualify under this law.
- If the person taking care of the child is NOT a relative, this form still lets him or her enroll the child in school. But, they are only authorized to make medical care decisions that are school related (like immunizations or physical exams required by the school for enrollment).
- The Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit is not an official court form.
- The parents do not have to sign the Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit but they can cancel the affidavit at any time.
- If the child is no longer living with the caregiver, the affidavit is not valid. The caregiver must notify the school and health care provider if the child is no longer living with them.
Get a Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit and instructions. Make sure you read Family Code sections 6550-6552 and Probate Code sections 2353 and 2356 to learn about the specific requirements under the law.
You may not be able to meet all the child’s needs with the Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit. Even with the Affidavit or a notarized letter from the parents:
- Although schools and medical facilities are required by law to accept the Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit. It is possible you may come across a lot of resistance. You may decide that it is easier to go to court and get a court order giving you legal guardianship.
- The parents can cancel these forms or their letter at any time. They can take the child, even if it is not safe for the child.
- It may be hard for you to get medical insurance for the child unless you are the legal guardian. Most insurance companies will not allow adding the minor to your insurance. Not without a court order naming you as guardian.
