[TX] How do I get power of attorney for my niece whose mother lives in a different state?
My niece lives in Florida with my sister and they do not get along. It’s been a constant battle for years. I’m now in a position to take care of my niece, and my sister is willingly giving her over. She turns 18 in January 2027, so it’s only about a year and 2 months. Will this form cover everything I need to care for her in that time?
28
11
Solved
A Texas Childcare Power of Attorney can work as long as it’s properly executed (Texas Family Code, Chapter 34). Your sister must sign and notarize it, and it should clearly give you authority for school enrollment, medical care, and general welfare. Schools and insurers sometimes ask for notarized or certified copies. You may also need an affidavit of residency (§25.002).
0
Childcare Power of Attorney Form
Create Document
Full Conversation
My niece lives in Florida with my sister and they do not get along. It’s been a constant battle for years. I’m now in a position to take care of my niece, and my sister is willingly giving her over. She turns 18 in January 2027, so it’s only about a year and 2 months. Will this form cover everything I need to care for her in that time?
Lexi, Chatbot
Have you discussed legal guardianship or custody with your sister?
Yes.
Lexi, Chatbot
Do you already have a specific document in mind?
Texas Childcare Power of Attorney.
Lexi, Chatbot
Anything else the lawyer should know?
Not that I can think of.
Legal Eagle
Has your sister signed or notarized the Texas Childcare Power of Attorney? And has your niece’s school or doctor in Florida accepted it?
My niece lives in Florida but I live in Texas. She would be moving here. My sister hasn’t signed anything yet—she wants to know what she needs to sign to give me authority for the next year and 2 months. I found the form online and want to know if it will work.
Legal Eagle
Thank you. Are there specific responsibilities you want authority over—school, medical decisions, insurance?
Mainly enrolling her in school and putting her on my insurance for medical and dental.
Legal Eagle
Great. I can answer now—anything else?
No, I just want to care for my niece as much as possible.
Legal Eagle
A Texas Childcare Power of Attorney can work as long as it’s properly executed (Texas Family Code, Chapter 34). Your sister must sign and notarize it, and it should clearly give you authority for school enrollment, medical care, and general welfare. Schools and insurers sometimes ask for notarized or certified copies. You may also need an affidavit of residency (§25.002).
What do you mean by “certified copy”?
Legal Eagle
It’s a copy made and stamped by a courthouse or notary verifying it matches the original.
How many certified copies should I get?
Legal Eagle
Three is safe.
So she just prints it, fills it out, notarizes it, and I’m good? Do I need to redo it after a year?
Legal Eagle
Yes. It’s valid for one year, so you’ll renew it once to cover the last two months before she turns 18.
Will a Florida notary work?
Legal Eagle
Yes. A notary just verifies her identity. It doesn’t matter that the form is for Texas.
Will this let me add my niece to my insurance?
Legal Eagle
It should. Insurance may ask for the notarized form and possibly a residency or guardianship affidavit.
Thank you. Is there a way to reach you directly?
Legal Eagle
Unfortunately, no, but we’re always here to help when you need us.
Thank you.
Legal Eagle
You’re welcome!
Legal Eagle
128,690 satisfied customers
5 lawyers online now
Disclaimer
By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.
The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.
Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.
