Delegation of Parental Authority

Planning for Your Child’s Care When You Can’t Be There

A Delegation of Parental Authority allows a parent or legal guardian to temporarily grant caregiving authority to another trusted adult while retaining full parental rights. In Michigan, this document is commonly used during travel, military deployment, medical recovery, or other short-term situations where a parent cannot be physically present.

This planning tool ensures your child’s needs are met without court involvement — and without permanently transferring parental rights.

What a Michigan Delegation of Parental Authority Allows

A Michigan Delegation of Parental Authority gives another adult limited, temporary authority to act on your behalf for your child’s care, including:

• Making routine medical decisions

• Enrolling or communicating with schools

• Authorizing emergency care

• Handling day-to-day supervision and activities

You remain the legal parent at all times. The authority is temporary, revocable, and tailored to your situation.

When This Document Is Commonly Used

Parents often use a Delegation of Parental Authority during:

• Extended travel or work assignments

• Military service or deployment

• Medical recovery or hospitalization

• Temporary caregiving arrangements with relatives

• Short-term custody planning without court involvement

This document provides stability for the child while giving parents peace of mind.

Why This Is Different From Guardianship

A Delegation of Parental Authority is not a court-ordered guardianship. It does not remove parental rights and does not require a judge’s approval when properly executed.

Compared to guardianship, it is:

• Faster to implement

• Less expensive

• Less disruptive to family life

• Fully reversible by the parent

For many families, it offers the right balance of flexibility and protection.

Designed for Real Families, Not Legal Confusion

Every family’s situation is different. Some parents need short-term coverage. Others want clearly defined limits or expiration dates. A well-drafted delegation ensures expectations are clear for schools, medical providers, and caregivers.

A properly prepared Michigan Delegation of Parental Authority helps:

• Avoid confusion during emergencies

• Prevent unnecessary court involvement

• Protect both the child and the caregiver

• Maintain parental rights and authority

In Michigan, a Delegation of Parental Authority allows a parent or legal guardian to temporarily grant decision-making authority over a minor child to another trusted adult, such as a relative or caregiver. This authority is governed by Michigan Compiled Laws § 700.5101–700.5103, which permits a parent to delegate powers relating to the care, custody, or property of a minor for up to six months (or longer for parents on active military duty). The delegation must be in writing and properly executed, but it does not permanently transfer parental rights or terminate custody. This legal tool is commonly used for short-term situations such as travel, medical needs, school enrollment, or temporary caregiving arrangements, making it an essential part of Michigan family planning, temporary guardianship planning, and childcare authorization.

Why Michigan-Specific Drafting Matters

Michigan law sets specific requirements for how a Delegation of Parental Authority must be executed and how long it may remain effective. Generic online forms often fail to comply or are rejected by schools and medical providers.

A Michigan-specific document ensures:

• Legal compliance under Michigan law

• Acceptance by schools and healthcare facilities

• Clear start and end dates

• Proper scope of authority

Start With Confidence

You don’t need to navigate this alone.
Answer a few simple questions and we’ll help you create a Delegation of Parental Authority that fits your family, your timeline, and your peace of mind.

Temporarily authorize another adult to care for your child — without giving up your parental rights.

A Michigan Delegation of Parental Authority allows a parent or legal guardian to grant temporary authority to another responsible adult for a child’s care, schooling, and medical needs. This is commonly used for travel, military deployment, recovery from illness, or short-term caregiving needs — while you remain the legal parent.