Guidelines on Filling in Kansas Power of Attorney for a Child
Filling out a Kansas Power of Attorney for a Child form is a significant step that enables an individual to grant another person the authority to make decisions and act on behalf of their child in their absence. It's crucial to understand that this legal document does not remove parental rights but temporarily delegates decision-making powers regarding the child's care, education, and health needs. The following steps are designed to ensure that you complete the form accurately and effectively, safeguarding the child's well-being and adhering to Kansas law.
- Begin by locating the official Kansas Power of Attorney for a Child form. Ensure you have the most current version by checking with the Kansas Judicial Council's website or contacting a legal professional.
- Enter the full legal names of the child or children involved at the top of the form. Make sure to use each child’s name as it appears on their birth certificate to avoid discrepancies.
- Identify the person you are appointing as the attorney-in-fact (the individual who will have the authority to make decisions for your child). Include their full legal name and relationship to the child.
- Specify the powers you are granting to the attorney-in-fact. These can range from general authority to make health care decisions, to specifics such as educational authority or the power to decide extracircular activities. Be as clear and detailed as necessary to outline the scope of authority you are comfortable with.
- Determine the duration of the power of attorney. Kansas law allows for these documents to have a specified end date, or they can remain in effect until revoked. If you choose a specific end date, ensure it is clearly noted on the form.
- Include any special instructions or limitations you wish to apply to the attorney-in-fact's powers. For example, if there are certain decisions you wish to remain informed about or approve, spell these out clearly.
- Both the parent (or parents, if applicable) and the appointed attorney-in-fact must sign and date the form in front of a notary public. This step legally validates the document and the powers granted within.
- Have the form notarized. This typically involves showing identification and signing the document in the presence of the notary, who will then apply their seal or stamp to certify the document’s authenticity.
- Provide the attorney-in-fact with a notarized copy of the completed form. It's also wise to keep a copy for your records and consider providing a copy to your child's school, healthcare providers, or any other relevant parties.
Completing the Kansas Power of Attorney for a Child form accurately and thoughtfully is crucial for the well-being of the child and ensures that the appointed attorney-in-fact can act in the child's best interest with the legal authority they need. Should circumstances change, it is possible to revoke or amend the document as needed to reflect the best interest of the child.