The Minnesota Minor Child Power of Attorney, or “Delegation of Parental Authority” (DOPA), grants an agent the right to act as the parent/legal guardian of a child so that they can sign off on anything related to the minor’s education, medical needs, and dental care. In this situation, the parent (or legal guardian) is the principal party who will be assigning the powers to the designated caretaker. This is typically accomplished to ensure that the minor has access to all of their needs while in the temporary custody of a trusted individual (generally a family member, nanny, or close friend). Executors of this form may implement said document by identifying the parties (themselves, the minor child/ren, and the appointee), determining an expiration date (no more than one (1) year), and singing in front of a notary public.
Laws
Statute – Delegation of Power by Parent or Guardian (§ 524.5-211)
Definitions – “Minor” means an unemancipated individual who has not attained 18 years of age (§ 524.5-102(10)).
Signing Requirements – Acknowledgment of Notary Public
Termination Period – Not to exceed one (1) year (§ 524.5-211(a)).
Other Versions (3)
Download: Adobe PDF
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota Version
Download: Adobe PDF
Instructions: Adobe PDF
Download: Adobe PDF
Additional Resources
- Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota – Emergency Preparedness Manual
- Minnesota Legal Services Coalition – DOPA Fact Sheet (In Spanish)
- Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) – Family Preparedness Toolkit
Related Forms
Emergency Contact Form for Minor Child
Download: Adobe PDF
Medical Information Sheet for Minor Child
Download: Adobe PDF