Letter of Guardianship
A letter of guardianship or guardship, is a letter that is used to transfer temporary custody from the parents of a child to another adult. This is especially useful if a child’s parents have to travel abroad for a period of time and they won’t be able to carry out their parental duties. By writing this letter, the parents of the child transfer all their rights and obligations over to someone else, who is then obliged to care for the children. It is extremely important to include a specific time period where this letter will be valid, as not to create any confusion. Before you assign your rights as a parent over to someone else, make sure you trust them and they fully understand what their responsibilities are.
Starting to Write
Double check whether a letter of guardianship is required. If you are only going away for a couple of days it is perfectly acceptable to leave your child in the custody of a friend or family member without documentation, so long as you can be contacted in the case of an emergency.
Ensure the person you are granting guardianship to is fully aware of their obligation, and that they will be liable if anything happens to your child.
Be specific about dates of the custody (from and to), and outline any limitations of the guardianship if you feel necessary, such as not being able to leave the local area.
If there’s a possibility that you may be late returning, include a clause stating that the guardianship is to be extended in the case of delays.
Sign the letter to make it legally binding and if possible get somebody to observe the process and notarize it with their signature as well.
Keep two copies of the letter, one for you and one for the temporary guardian.
Letter of Guardianship Sample
I, Gary S. Brown, parent of Stephanie Brown, grant temporary guardship to Michael Clayton.
This transfer of guardship will take place for the period of July 12th, 2009 and July 16th, 2009.
Michael Clayton will have all powers and authority that I would have if I were present. Michael Clayton has full rights to act as the guardian of Stephanie Brown during the times listed above.
Signed
Letter of Guardianship for School Sample
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Please complete the enclosed form granting the school temporary guardianship over your child for the two week trip to France. This makes us legally responsible for your child, allowing us to travel and take care of their wellbeing while overseas, such as granting us the right to administer any emergency healthcare in the rare occurrence of illness or an accident.
It is imperative that you sign the form by March 27, 2013. Failure to do so on time will mean we will have to leave your child behind and grant a refund for the cost of the trip.
Sincerely,
Signed
Mrs. Murdock
Class 5A, Madison Elementary
Letter of Guardianship if Parents Die Sample
(To be included in an article in the will)
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
ARTICLE 2 GUARDIANSHIP OF MINOR
It is my recommendation that the permanent guardianship of my daughter Samantha Casey be given to my sister Abigail Merchant.
My second recommendation is my close friend Daisy Stringer of 3751 Little Hickory Byway, Chloride, Maine.
I confirm that those named have already been informed of their potential obligation.
Letter of Guardianship While On Vacation Sample
I, Marissa Lunsford, of 6656 Clear Rise, Princess Anne, Wyoming, 82148-3884, as the custodial parent of:
Madeleine Lunsford,
Do hereby grant temporary custody of Madeleine to:
Evelyn Gaffney, of 9871 Tawny Port, Littlelot, Wyoming, 82929-0663,
For the period of March 05, 2013, to March 19, 2013, while I go on vacation.
This temporary guardianship is to be automatically extended if I am delayed returning to Wyoming.
Furthermore if while I am away there is an accident or emergency that requires physician or hospital treatment, I hereby grant Evelyn Gaffney and medical staff the right to administer said treatment.
Signed
Marissa Lunsford
Notarized By:
John Ervin
Signed
April 25, 2013