4 Forms Parents Need Before Vacation
Taking a Kids-Free Vacation? What Forms to Leave With Your Child’s Caregiver
You’ve booked the flights, picked a hotel, and found a trusted friend or family member to watch your kids while you’re away. You’ve even started daydreaming about how late you’ll sleep on that first child-free morning.
But before you head out on a well-earned kids-free vacation, it’s important to ask yourself: If something happens while you’re gone, does your caregiver have everything they need to act on your behalf?
From a simple daycare pickup to an unexpected trip to the ER, legal documents like a Permission Letter or Medical Consent Letter can make all the difference in how well someone can take care of your child while you’re away.
Here are the key caregiver forms Georgia parents should leave behind every time you travel without the kids:
- Power of Attorney
- Permission Letter
- Medical Consent Letter
- Standby Guardian Designation
Power of Attorney for the Care of a Minor Child
This legal document grants another adult the authority to care for your child while you’re away. Georgia state law requires the person to be an adult and a Georgia resident, but they do not have to be a relative.
Power of Attorney allows your caregiver to:
- Authorize medical, dental, or mental health treatment
- Access medical and school records
- Provide food, lodging, and entertainment
You can also grant them specific powers, such as signing forms or writing checks on your child’s behalf.
The Power of Attorney form must be signed and notarized by both you and your caregiver. You can also designate a specific time frame (e.g., effective for one year, for a specific period of time, or until you revoke permission).
Written Authorization or Permission Letter
This is a non-legal letter giving your caregiver explicit permission to do basic day-to-day tasks involving your child.
The permission letter should include:
- Your contact information and travel details
- The caregiver’s contact information
- A brief description of the parent/caregiver arrangement
- What the caregiver is authorized to do (e.g., pick your children up from school, sign permission slips, etc.)
Send copies to your child’s school, daycare, camp, or anywhere else your caregiver may need to act on behalf of your child.
Medical Consent Letter
If your kids need medical treatment while you’re on vacation, your caregiver must have your permission to treat them. A Medical Consent Letter gives the caregiver the authority to authorize that medical treatment.
Create one Medical Consent Letter per child. Each letter should include:
- Child’s full name and birth date
- Caregiver’s name and contact information
- Emergency contact information
- Primary physician name and number
- Insurance details, including a copy of the child’s insurance card
- What treatments are authorized
Many doctors’ offices have a standard Medical Consent Letter for parents to fill out. Note that both you and your caregiver may have to sign the form (and even get it notarized) before it’s effective.
Designation of Standby Guardian
This document is less well-known than the others, but it’s incredibly useful. Unlike a legal guardian named in your will or estate plan (which only takes effect upon your death), a standby guardian steps in temporarily if you’re incapacitated, traveling, or otherwise unavailable.
For example, if you’re unable to return home as planned due to a medical emergency, a standby guardian gives your child’s caregiver the legal authority to act in your place without going to court.
Many parents choose a trusted friend or local relative who can act quickly if needed. Learn more about standby guardianship here.
Create a caregiver packet
Before you leave on your child-free vacation, put all your documents in a clearly labeled folder for your child’s caregiver.
This caregiver packet should include:
- Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor
- Permission Letter
- Medical Consent Letter
- Designation of a Standby Guardian
- A copy of your travel itinerary
- Copies of your insurance cards
- Emergency contact list
Do I also need an estate plan?
Yes, and not just before a big vacation. These short-term forms are crucial for helping your caregiver act on your behalf while you’re away, but they’re not a substitute for a comprehensive estate plan.
If something serious should happen to you, your long-term estate plan would name a permanent legal guardian, determine how your assets would support your children, and plan to avoid probate delays.
While it’s on your mind, schedule a strategy session to get your full plan in place. You can also call us at (404) 736-6066.
