Understanding that it is often cost prohibitive for parents to request the assistance of an attorney each time they leave their children in the care of a relative or friend, the Nebraska Supreme Court’s Committee on Pro Se (self-help) Litigation has developed a free online form with instructions.
The ‘Temporary Delegation of Parental Powers’ form is provided to people who wish to grant authority over a child to another person for a limited period of time. This type of form is often used where, due to the expected absence of a parent, another person is authorized to consent to medical treatment, enrollment in school, or other academic or athletic programs, etc. The form is not filed with the court; it is kept by the individual caring for the child and shown to hospitals, schools, day-cares and others when needed.
“Many members of our committee felt strongly that we should create this form as a public service. Parents in our communities often have circumstances that require them to designate someone to make decisions on behalf of their child. The instructions and form will help them through that process,” said Judge Richard Sievers, Chairman of the Nebraska Supreme Court Committee on Pro Se Litigation.
Nebraska law allows for a parent or legal guardian of a minor child to designate, for brief periods of time, another adult to make important decisions that the parents would ordinarily make on behalf of their children. This temporary delegation of parental powers is limited to a six-month period. After six-months the parent or legal guardian may complete another form.This and other self-help forms are available on the Judicial Branch Web site at: www.supremecourt.ne.gov under the ‘Self Help Center’ button.
