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Guardianship Designation

Who takes care of your kids if something happens to you — permanently, or just for the next two weeks. This generates two things in one document: a long-term guardian nomination, and a short-term standby authorization for travel, illness, or emergencies.

This is not legal advice, and this document alone is not a substitute for a will. A guardian nomination carries the most legal weight when it's part of a properly executed will — courts give real but not absolute weight to a standalone declaration like this one. Requirements vary by state; most require two witnesses (not the nominated guardian) or notarization — a few states (including Texas) allow either. This draft includes both a witness block and a notary block so it's ready regardless of which your state requires — confirm before signing, and strongly consider pairing this with an actual will reviewed by an attorney.

1. Your Information

Your Full Name *

State of Residence *

Home Address

2. Your Children

One per line: name and date of birth.

Children

3. Long-Term Guardian (if I die or become permanently unable to care for them)

Guardian's Name *

Relationship *

Guardian's Phone *

Guardian's Address

Optional — an alternate, if your first choice can't serve.

Alternate Guardian's Name

Alternate's Phone

Why this person (optional, but helpful if this is ever questioned)

Wishes for raising them (optional — values, education, religion, anything you want considered)

4. Short-Term Standby Authorization

A different, temporary permission — for travel, hospitalization, deployment, or any stretch where you're alive but unavailable. Can be the same person as your long-term guardian, or someone else (e.g. a nearby grandparent).

Standby Caregiver's Name *

Their Phone *

What they're authorized to do

When this applies

5. Anything Else (optional)

Other Instructions

Your Draft Document

Generated on this device only — nothing was saved or sent anywhere. This is strongest when paired with an actual will — have an attorney licensed in your state review both together if at all possible.