The importance of a temporary guardianship
It’s happening. My wife and I are heading out on a trip without the kids. Just the two of us.
The last time we traveled without our boys was over 553 days ago (but who’s counting?). This time, the boys are staying with Grandma while we sneak away for some quiet, coffee-that’s-actually-hot, a drink that isn't rushed, and full-conversation-without-interruptions kind of time.
But before we go, we are intentionally leaving behind something of value: A Temporary Guardianship Agreement.
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What is it?
A Temporary Guardianship Agreement is a legal document that gives someone else, usually whomever is watching the kids: grandparent, sister, brother, or trusted friend, the legal authority to care for your child(ren) while you’re away. This may include:
🏥 Making medical decisions
🩺 Authorizing emergency care
✏️ Communicating with doctors, schools, or even law enforcement if needed
💻 Access needed medical information
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Why It Matters
99% of the time, Grandma doesn’t need anything more than a few apple sauce pouches, Blippi, and a solid bedtime routine. But what happens in that 1% emergency? When my son breaks his leg, which happened to us. Or when his brother wakes up wheezing and a 2am trip to Children's Hospital is underway?
But it isn't just for the kids. If something happens while we’re away, say we get delayed, miss a connection, or something more serious, our kids need someone who can step in legally and speak on their behalf. We never expect emergencies, but we also don’t want to be scrambling from a distance or relying on hope and good intentions in the middle of a crisis.
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When Does It Go Into Effect?
Our Temporary Guardianship goes into affect in the moment we’re out of town and lasts until we return. It's tailored to match the length of our trip, and we name specific dates and the exact person who is taking over temporary care.
As a thank you for being part of the HootOwl community, I’m offering a free downloadable Temporary Guardianship Agreement form you can use for your own family.
Make your trip a little more peaceful knowing the important stuff is taken care of.
See you on the other side of vacation.