General Mobile Notary

Guardianship and Temporary Custody Authorization Notarization in Los Angeles

When you need another adult to temporarily care for your child, a notarized guardianship authorization makes sure schools, hospitals, and other organizations take it seriously. A mobile notary comes to your home or office so everyone can sign and notarize the document together.

Book A Guardianship Notary Appointment Call or Text (213) 933-2507
Understanding The Document

What Is A Guardianship Or Temporary Custody Authorization?

A guardianship or temporary custody authorization is a document that lets a parent or legal guardian give another trusted adult temporary authority to care for a minor child. It covers everyday decisions like school pickup, medical care, and emergency situations without going through the court system.

What It Typically Authorizes

  • Picking up and dropping off the child at school or daycare.
  • Consenting to routine or emergency medical and dental treatment.
  • Making day-to-day care decisions for the child.
  • Traveling with the child, if travel is included in the authorization.
  • Enrolling the child in school or extracurricular activities.

What It Does Not Do

  • It does not permanently transfer custody or parental rights.
  • It does not replace a court-appointed guardianship for long-term situations.
  • It may not satisfy every institution, though notarization greatly increases acceptance.
  • It does not override existing custody orders from a court.

For long-term or permanent guardianship, a court petition is required. This document is for temporary, voluntary arrangements between the parent and a trusted caregiver.

When You Need One

Common Situations For Temporary Guardianship Authorization

Parents seek temporary guardianship authorizations for many reasons. Having the document ready before the situation becomes urgent can save critical time.

Family And Personal

  • A parent is being hospitalized and needs someone to care for their child.
  • A parent is traveling for work or personal reasons and cannot bring the child.
  • A grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend is watching the child for an extended period.
  • A parent wants a backup plan in case of an emergency or unexpected absence.
  • A military parent is being deployed and needs to formalize childcare arrangements.

Immigration And Legal

  • A parent wants to ensure their child is cared for if they face immigration proceedings.
  • A family wants documentation in place to prevent confusion if a parent is detained.
  • A parent going through a legal matter needs to temporarily delegate care while they are unavailable.
  • A parent wants to give a caregiver legal standing to make school and medical decisions for the child.
Types Of Documents

Guardianship And Custody Documents We Notarize

Temporary Guardianship Authorization

  • A voluntary agreement between the parent and a temporary guardian.
  • Covers a specific time period and lists the powers granted to the guardian.
  • Usually notarized with an acknowledgment, since both parties are confirming their agreement.
  • Does not require a court filing.

Caregiver Authorization Affidavit

  • A California-specific form authorized by Family Code Section 6550.
  • Allows a caregiver to enroll a child in school and authorize school-related medical care.
  • The basic version does not legally require notarization, but schools and medical providers often prefer a notarized copy.
  • If the caregiver also needs to authorize non-school medical care, additional sections must be completed and a jurat may be used.

Power Of Attorney For Childcare

  • Grants a specific person authority to make decisions for the child on the parent's behalf.
  • More formal than a basic guardianship letter and often accepted by a wider range of institutions.
  • See our Power of Attorney page for more details on POA notarization.

Medical Authorization For Minor

  • Specifically authorizes a non-parent to consent to medical treatment for a child.
  • Often included as part of a temporary guardianship authorization or as a standalone document.
  • Hospitals and clinics are more likely to accept a notarized version in an emergency.
Notarization Details

How Guardianship Authorizations Are Notarized

Who Needs To Be Present

  • The parent or legal guardian who is granting the temporary authority must be present with valid ID.
  • If the document also requires the temporary guardian to sign, they should be present with their own valid ID.
  • If both parents share custody, it is best for both to sign.
  • The child does not need to be present at the notary appointment.

At Your Appointment

  1. The mobile notary arrives at your chosen location and reviews each signer's ID.
  2. Each signer reviews the document and confirms they understand it.
  3. The notary completes the notarial certificate for each signature, either an acknowledgment or jurat depending on the document language.
  4. Each signer signs in the presence of the notary.
  5. The notary applies their seal, records the notarization in their journal, and provides the completed document.

Note: The notary does not evaluate whether the guardianship arrangement is appropriate or legally sufficient for your situation. If you have questions about custody law, consult a family law attorney.

Before Your Appointment

What To Have Ready For Your Guardianship Notarization

Documents And Information

  • Valid, current government issued photo ID for every signer (parent and temporary guardian).
  • The child's full legal name and date of birth.
  • Start and end dates for the temporary guardianship period.
  • Any custody orders or legal documents related to the child, for your reference.
  • The completed guardianship authorization, not yet signed.

If You Do Not Have A Document Yet

  • We bring a laptop and portable printer to your appointment.
  • You can use Rocket Lawyer or another legal document platform to create a temporary guardianship authorization or caregiver affidavit.
  • You fill in the details on our laptop, we print it, everyone signs, and we notarize it in one visit.
  • If you need to also prepare a travel consent letter, we can handle both at the same appointment.
Related Documents

Other Documents Often Needed With Guardianship Authorizations

Minor Travel Consent Letter

If the temporary guardian will be traveling with the child, a notarized travel consent letter is often needed alongside the guardianship authorization.
Book Appointment
Power Of Attorney (POA)

A broader legal document that can grant authority over financial, medical, and childcare decisions on your behalf.
Book Appointment
General Affidavit or Sworn Statement

Sworn written statements for courts, agencies, or other organizations that need facts under oath.
Book Appointment
View All General Notary Documents

See the full list of everyday documents we notarize across Los Angeles.
View All Documents
Frequently Asked Questions

Guardianship And Temporary Custody Authorization FAQ

What is a temporary guardianship authorization?

A temporary guardianship authorization is a document that allows a parent or legal guardian to give another adult temporary authority to care for a minor child. It typically covers school pickup, medical decisions, emergency situations, and day-to-day care.

Does a temporary guardianship authorization need to be notarized in California?

Notarization is not always legally required for every type of guardianship authorization. However, it is strongly recommended because schools, hospitals, and other organizations are far more likely to accept a notarized version. Some specific forms, like the California Caregiver Authorization Affidavit, do not require notarization by law, but a notarized copy provides stronger assurance.

What is the difference between a temporary guardianship authorization and a court-appointed guardianship?

A temporary guardianship authorization is a voluntary document signed by the parent. It does not require a court hearing and is limited in scope and duration. A court-appointed guardianship is a formal legal process that grants broader and longer-term authority to a guardian through the court system.

Do both parents need to sign?

If both parents share legal custody of the child, it is best for both to sign. If only one parent has sole legal custody, that parent can sign alone with documentation of their custody status. Having both signatures reduces the chance that the document will be questioned.

Can a mobile notary help me create a temporary guardianship authorization?

We bring a laptop, portable printer, and scanner. You can use Rocket Lawyer or any legal document platform to create a temporary guardianship authorization on the spot, then sign and notarize it in one visit. The notary does not provide legal advice.

Can I get a guardianship authorization notarized the same day?

Yes. Same-day and next-day appointments are frequently available. Many guardianship situations are time-sensitive, and we prioritize getting to you quickly. Book online or call and text (213) 933-2507.