Texas Minor Child Power of Attorney (2026)
In Texas, a parent can authorize another adult to care for a child with an Authorization Agreement under Family Code chapter 34. The parent and caregiver sign and swear to it before a notary; it lasts six months and renews automatically unless an earlier date is stated.
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Texas minor child power of attorney: key facts
- Law
- Texas Family Code chapter 34 (§§34.002–34.009).
- Signing
- Signed and sworn to before a notary by the parent and the caregiver (§34.004).
- Term
- Six months, renewing automatically for six-month terms unless an earlier date is stated or it is terminated (§34.0075).
- Other parent
- If both parents did not sign, copies must be mailed within 10 days (certified and first-class) or the agreement is void (§34.005).
- Limits
- No authority over abortion or emergency contraception; only one agreement may be in effect at a time.
- Court cases
- Cannot be signed without a court order if there is a pending custody case or a court with continuing jurisdiction (§34.004(b)).
Official source: Texas Family Code ch. 34 (PDF) · Last reviewed: October 2026
DoneDoc is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. We recommend having your document reviewed by a licensed attorney in your state before signing.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the Texas authorization agreement need a notary?
- Yes. The parent and the caregiver must sign and swear to it before a notary public.
- What do I receive?
- A ready-to-sign PDF and Word document (Authorization Agreement for Nonparent Adult Caregiver (Family Code ch. 34)) filled with your answers, plus signing instructions for Texas.
- Can I get it in Spanish?
- Yes. You sign the English document and also receive a Spanish reference translation or summary and Spanish instructions.
- Is DoneDoc a law firm?
- No. DoneDoc provides self-help forms and does not give legal advice. We recommend having your document reviewed by a licensed attorney in your state before signing.
Other states
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Other Texas documents: Medical Power of Attorney