A Wisconsin minor (child) power of attorney form assigns an individual (the “agent”) to provide care and custody of a minor child or children during their parents’ absence. A parent may wish to execute a power of attorney if they face an emergency such as an injury, destruction of the home, military deployment, or other circumstance which causes them to be temporarily unavailable to fulfill their parental duties.

An agent will have the same authority as the parents, although the power of attorney cannot be used to delegate power regarding marriage, adoption, enlistment, fostering, or consenting to an abortion. The power of attorney has a maximum term of one (1) year, except if the agent is a relative of the child(ren) or the court approves the delegation via a petition by the agent or organization facilitating the delegation.

Laws – § 48.979(1)(a)

Signing Requirements (§ 48.979(2)) – Parent(s)/Guardian(s), Agent, and Two (2) Witnesses or Notary Public (if applicable)

Expiration (§ 48.979(1)(am)) – One (1) year, except if delegated to a relative of the child or the delegation is approved by the court