When it becomes necessary to allow someone else to provide for the care of your children, a Power of Attorney for the Care of Children form should be used. This document allows the parents of one or more children (sometimes called the "Principals" or "Grantors") to appoint another person to act as their Attorney-in-Fact (sometimes referred to as Agent) to care for their children. Generally it will be on a temporary basis for a limited amount of time. Although the Power of Attorney for the Care of Children has a beginning and an end date, the Parents can revoke it at any time even before the end date.

This Washington Power of Attorney for the Care of Children allows the Attorney-in-Fact to make decisions for the children in place of the parents, including health care, welfare and education decisions. This can be useful if the parent will be absent for a period of time. The powers granted by this instrument are very broad as parents are basically giving temporary custody of the children to the Attorney-in-fact. However, by having this type of document available, the Attorney-in-Fact will be able to better deal with any types of emergency involving the children and can avoid potential problems when, for example, arranging for medical, dental or any other type of care. Medical personnel will also generally feel more comfortable dealing with an Attorney-in-Fact who can provide this type of document.

A different form is available on this site for single parents who have full/sole legal custody of the child/children.

These are just some of the important provisions included in this Washington Power of Attorney for the Care of Children:

• Name and addresses: Identity and location of Grantors (Parents) and Agent;
• Names of Child(ren): Name(s) and date(s) of birth of Child(ren);
• Powers granted to Agent: The listing of various powers that the Parents granted to the Agent, including making decisions about health care, education, living and powers to sue and protect legal rights;
• Effective dates: The dates the Power of Attorney will remain in effect;
• Reimbursements: Agent will be reimbursed all reasonable expenses;
• Notary Acknowledgment Block: It is important for the document to be notarized and avoids problems later if it's validity is ever challenged.

Protect Your Rights, Your Property and Yourself, with these accurate and easy to use forms.

This form packet prepared by lawyers includes:

1. Instructions and Checklist for Power of Attorney for the Care of Children
2. Information about Power of Attorney for the Care of Children
3. Washington Power of Attorney for the Care of Children Form

State Law Compliance: This form complies with the laws of Washington