Updated June 20, 2022
An Arizona minor child power of attorney allows a principal to designate a guardian for their dependent children (for up to 6 months) in the event that the principal is incapacitated, overseas, or otherwise unable to care for their children for that period of time. Active military officers who go on a tour of duty may extend this time period up to a 1-year. In addition, this document covers only guardianship of minor children and does not cover any other type of powers of attorney, including medical or financial. This parental power of attorney document is also referred to as the “Delegation of Parental Powers in Arizona.”
Laws – § 14-5104 for non-military & § 14-5107 for military members
How to Write
1 – Locate and Save the Appropriate Form
Download the PDF form and print at least 2 copies – one for the principal and one for the agent.
2 – Contact Necessary Parties
Find a third-party witness who is not related to the agent, and schedule a time to meet with a notary public.
3 – Fill Out This Form
In Item 1, “Information Needed,” report the Full Name of the concerned child’s Parent or Legal Guardian (who is giving Authority) on the blank line associated with the first bullet point. Below this will be two columns. In the column on the left, report the Full Name of each child who this document will concern. Then in the column on the right, report the Birth Date of that child on the corresponding blank line.
4 – Declaring the Attorney-In-Fact
Locate the statement beginning with the words “The full legal name of the person who agrees…,” then declare the Full Name of the Individual who shall assume Authority over the Minors listed above this area. On the blank line associated with the next bullet point, “The full physical address…” will require the Building Number, Street, Apartment Number, City, State, and Zip Code where the declared Attorney-In-Fact may be physically found. This must be his or her actual residential address.
5 – Defining Responsibility and Authority
In Item 2, “Responsibility Delegated,” mark the first box is the Parent or Guardian granting Authority will do so in all matters and parental responsibilities concerning the child. If only certain parental responsibilities are being delegated, then mark the second box and define these Responsibilities and Authorities on the blank lines provided.
6 – Declaring the Duration of Authority
In Item 3, “Duration,” the Principal may determine how long the Authority and Responsibility being assigned to the Attorney-In-Fact will remain active. If this Parental Power of Authority will apply for six months or less, then mark the first box in this section. Then report the Start Date and End Date the Agent will retain Authority on the first and second blank spaces. If the Principal is a Military Member and the Parental Power of Authority will remain in effect for more than six months but less than twelve, then mark the second box and report the Start Date and End Date on the first and second spaces provided.
7 – Required Signatures
The Principal, a Witness, and a Notary should all sign this document. The first paragraph will require the Name of the Principal and the Signature Date to be reported. The Parent or Guardian must then Sign his or her Name on the Principal Signature line. The Witness viewing this will need to input his or her Name in the second paragraph. Here, too, the Signature Date must be reported using the three blank spaces after the Name. The Witness should Sign his or her Name on the Witness Signature line.
The Notary Section will require the location, attending persons, date, and Notary Credentials to be supplied. Note: Only the attending Notary Public may supply these items.
The principal fills out of the parental power of attorney form, signs it, and dates it.