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Free Massachusetts Minor (Child) Power of Attorney Template

Choose the right way to hand off your child's care while you're away. Build your Massachusetts form with a guided questionnaire.

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What Is a Massachusetts Minor (Child) Power of Attorney?

A Massachusetts minor (child) power of attorney lets a parent appoint a temporary agent for a child under G.L. c. 190B, § 5-103. Massachusetts also offers a longer-term Caregiver Authorization Affidavit that shares only school and health care decisions.

Two Massachusetts Options for Parents

The 60-Day Temporary Agent

Under § 5-103, a parent can appoint a temporary agent for a period not exceeding 60 days. Your agent can receive any power you have over the child’s care, custody, or property. However, the power to consent to the child’s marriage or adoption stays with you.

When the Other Parent Must Agree

You can’t appoint a temporary agent if the child has another living parent whose whereabouts are known and who is willing and able to provide care, unless that parent consents in writing.

The Caregiver Authorization Affidavit

Chapter 201F lets a parent authorize an adult the child lives with to share decisions about the child’s education and health care. Unlike the temporary agent, you keep concurrent authority, and you can override the caregiver.

Changes and Revocation

You can revoke or amend a § 5-103 delegation and deliver it to everyone involved. The court can also limit or alter the agent’s authority.

Tip

Pick the option that matches the timeline. A trip or short hospital stay usually fits the 60-day temporary agent. For a longer stay where you only need help with school and doctors, the caregiver affidavit lasts up to two years.

How Do You Sign a Massachusetts Caregiver Authorization Affidavit?

With two witnesses and a notary. Chapter 201F, § 5 requires the parent to sign under the pains and penalties of perjury in front of two adult witnesses, neither of whom may be the caregiver.

The affidavit must also be notarized. Then the caregiver signs too, confirming they’re an adult the child lives with. The affidavit can be valid for up to two years, and you may reauthorize, amend, or revoke it by notifying the caregiver in writing.

How to Set Up a Massachusetts Temporary Agent

A Massachusetts minor (child) power of attorney under § 5-103 comes together in a few steps.

  1. Name yourself, each child, and the temporary agent.
  2. Spell out which care, custody, or property powers the agent will hold.
  3. Set dates that fit within 60 days.
  4. Get the other parent’s written consent if the law requires it.
  5. Sign it, then hand the agent the original and keep a copy.

What to Include in a Massachusetts Form

Whichever option you choose, clear details matter.

  • Your name, address, and phone number
  • Each child’s name and date of birth
  • The agent’s or caregiver’s name, address, and phone number
  • The caregiver’s relationship to the child, for the affidavit
  • The powers delegated and the dates
  • The other parent’s consent, if needed
  • Signatures, plus witnesses and a notary for the affidavit

Create your Massachusetts minor (child) power of attorney today and have it ready before you go.