What Every Parent Needs To Do Before Traveling Without Their Kids
YES! It’s time for your long-awaited GROWN-UP vacation! You know, the one without the diapers, toys, and whining?
If you’re planning to travel without your kids soon, there’s one important thing you need to do before you hit the road: create a Special Power of Attorney (SPOA).
Keep reading to learn what a SPOA is, why you need one, and how to set one up.
What is a Special Power of Attorney?
Simply put, a Special Power of Attorney (SPOA), is a legal document that allows you to identify a caretaker for your child in your absence.
And I know what you’re thinking: I’ll only be gone for 5 days! What’s the worst that could happen?
While I don’t like to think about worst case scenarios, they’re important to consider.
For example, what happens if you contract COVID and have to stay in place for two weeks? What if you lose your passport and your departure is delayed until you can get a replacement?
What happens if your child breaks his arm on the playground on the second day of your trip?
It’s important to have contingencies in case these situations arise.
An In Loco Parentis SPOA is the document specific to these situations and it allows the designated caretaker to serve in your place with regard to your child’s schooling, medical, and dental needs.
Note: this document has to be notarized. More on that later.
Why You Need a Special Power of Attorney
A SPOA gives your child’s designated caretaker the authority to make decisions regarding your child’s medical, dental, and school/daycare needs.
Medical Care
The SPOA can give your designated caregiver the authority to
Make routine appointments (sports physical, medication follow ups, well-checks, etc.)
Make acute care appointments (those related to viruses, allergies, etc.)
Pick up prescribed medications from the pharmacy
Note: Some doctor’s offices might allow caregivers to bring the child to an appointment if pre-approved by the parent via phone call or adding them to an approved list.
However, a SPOA is the safest and most official approach.
And yes, your child can receive emergency care regardless of whether or not a caregiver has a SPOA; however–in most cases–non-emergent care decisions require a parent/legal guardian or a caregiver with a SPOA.
Dental Care
A SPOA can also give your child’s caregiver to make routine and acute care dental and orthodontic appointments for your child.
School/Daycare
Lastly, a SPOA can give your child’s caregiver the authority to enroll or dis-enroll your child from a school or daycare as well as sign approval for school activities such as field trips, sports, and other activities.
How to Create a Special Power of Attorney
It’s not as hard as you might think!
There are several templates available! Just Google “Minor Power of Attorney,” “Child Care Power of Attorney,” or “In Loco Parentis Power of Attorney.
And, as noted before, the document has to be notarized. You can Google “Notary near me,” and you can often find one at ...
Your local bank
AAA office
A FedEx or UPS store
Wrapping Up!
Once you have your SPOA done and dusted, simply leave a copy with your caretaker, keep a copy for yourself, and share a copy with your child’s doctor’s office and school.
Pro Tip? Scan a PDF copy on your phone!
And remember, a SPOA …
Is a legal document that gives a designated caregiver the legal authority to make decisions regarding your child’s medical and educational care while you’re away.
And if you’re prepping for a trip with your kiddos, I have a FREE guide just for you! Click here to check it out!