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As a parent, if you are planning to leave on vacation without your children you should consider leaving certain legal documents with your children or their caregiver in the event of an emergency or tragedy. If you are stranded, injured or even killed while away from your children they may be left in a precarious legal position if you fail to prepare accordingly. Additionally, if your child suffers an injury or needs medical care, you must plan in advance or the caregiver will not be able to give her legal consent for treatment.
Consent to Medical Treatment
A consent-to-medical-treatment form should be given to the child's caregiver before leaving. The form usually states the dates that you will be away, the name of the child or children, the name of the caregiver and what medical treatment she may consent to in your absence. Have the document notarized.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney allows the person giving the powers to grant the agent -- the person to whom you give the powers -- general or specific authority to act on your behalf for legal transactions. For example, you may give the caregiver the specific power to write checks if necessary or to sign legal forms for school.
Will
No one wants to think about the possibility of not returning from a vacation; however, tragedies do happen. You should execute a will prior to departing on vacation not only to determine what will happen to your assets but also to indicate whom you wish to be the guardian for your child in the event of your death.