Designate a temporary guardian for your child: Temporary Guardianship Agreement

What is a Temporary Guardianship Agreement?
A Temporary Guardianship Agreement is used to grant or allow another person or institution temporary authority to care for or make certain decisions on behalf of your minor child(ren) in your absence. Temporary Guardianship Agreements are typically for circumstances in which the grant of custody over a child or children will last no more than 6 months.
This document should only be used if you are providing basic authorization regarding who has the authority to make decisions for your child(ren) in your absence. An informal agreement may not need court approval; however, to be considered a temporary guardianship under the law, some specific court forms may also be required to confer rights. Please talk to Legal Pro to determine if any other forms are necessary in your state and/or situation.
Also, if your circumstances may require a guardianship agreement that will last more than 6 months, you may either renew the Temporary Guardianship Agreement or consider making a Child Care Authorization form or Power of Attorney for Child. If you have any questions as to whether a Temporary Guardianship Agreement is the best fit for your circumstances and needs, a Rocket Legal Pro can assist you.
Make your own Temporary Guardianship Agreement with Rocket Lawyer – it’s as simple as answering a few questions!
When to use a Temporary Guardianship Agreement:
- You would like to give temporary authorization for another individual to make decisions regarding your child.
- The circumstances making guardianship necessary might change in a short period of time.
- You are experiencing financial difficulties or physical or mental ailments preventing you from caring for the child(ren).
Sample Temporary Guardianship Agreement
The terms in your document will update based on the information you provide

and of . , , as the custodial parent or legal guardian of:
do hereby grant temporary guardianship of the above listed child to:
,
Relationship to child:
TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
This Temporary Guardianship Agreement shall terminate or according to jurisdictional limitation, whichever occurs sooner. This Agreement is also subject to termination by any order of a court of competent jurisdiction that appoints a guardian or by a request in writing made by either parent.
If this guardianship is not renewed, custody reverts to the custodial parent or legal guardian.
PARENTAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this Temporary Guardianship agreement on .
By: ___________________________________ | Date: __________________ |
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual(s) who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.
STATE OF ,
COMMONWEALTH OF ,
COUNTY OF , ss:
PARISH OF , ss:
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ss:
On this _______________day of _______________, _________, ________________________________________ (date) (month) (year) (name of parent) and ________________________________________ (name of parent) personally appeared before me in ___________________________, _______________ (city) (state) and, in my presence, has/have satisfactorily identified him/her/themselves as the signer(s) of this Temporary Guardianship Form.
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me, by means of ☐ physical presence or ☐ online notarization, by personally known to me has/have satisfactorily identified him/her/themselves as the signer(s) of this Temporary Guardianship Form.
GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGMENT
hereby accept this appointment as guardian and agree to provide proper and necessary support of the minor child and to abide by all federal, state, and local laws in carrying out the appointment.
By: ___________________________________ | Date: __________________ |
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual(s) who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.
STATE OF ,
COMMONWEALTH OF ,
COUNTY OF , ss:
PARISH OF , ss:
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ss:
On this _______________day of _______________, _________, ________________________________________ (date) (month) (year) (name of parent) and ________________________________________ (name of parent) personally appeared before me in ___________________________, _______________ (city) (state) and, in my presence, has/have satisfactorily identified him/her/themselves as the signer(s) of this Temporary Guardianship Form.
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me, by means of ☐ physical presence or ☐ online notarization, by personally known to me has/have satisfactorily identified him/her/themselves as the signer(s) of this Temporary Guardianship Form.
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual(s) who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.
Temporary Guardianship Agreement FAQs
Temporary Guardianship Agreement FAQs
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How do I write a Temporary Guardianship Agreement?
It's simple and easy to get what you need with a free Temporary Guardianship Agreement template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make the document - Provide a few simple details, and we will do the rest.
- Send and share it - Look over the document with an attorney, if desired.
- Sign it - Sign your Temporary Guardianship Agreement online and make it legal.
Once your Temporary Guardianship Agreement is made, you can edit, download, sign, or share it. Make sure you keep a copy for your records.
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Who can grant temporary guardianship in an agreement, and who can be appointed as a temporary guardian?
A parent or legal guardian of the child can grant temporary guardianship by signing a Temporary Guardianship Agreement. Temporary guardians are typically close relatives, family friends, or trusted individuals who are willing and able to provide care for the child during the specified period.
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How long does a Temporary Custody Agreement last?
The duration of a Temporary Custody Agreement varies depending on the needs and circumstances of the parties involved, but it is typically for a short-term period, such as a few weeks and up to around six months.
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Can a Temporary Guardianship Agreement be challenged in court?
In certain circumstances, a temporary guardianship agreement may be subject to review or challenge in court, especially if there are concerns about the child's welfare or disputes arise between the parties involved.
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What happens if the parent or legal guardian returns before the end of the temporary guardianship period?
If the parent or legal guardian returns before the end of the temporary guardianship period, they may resume custody of the child, and the Temporary Guardianship Agreement can be terminated.

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