Legal Question in Family Law in California

I am the step mother to 2 children, ages 16 and 10. My husband and I share 50/50 custody of the kids and exchange weekly, Sunday evening at 8:00pm. My husband travels extensively for work and I am the main caregiver of the children. I manage their school activities, sports and tutor the 10 year old. I assist their mother on her weeks of custody with caring for the children and in any way she needs. I have taken care of these children for over 6 years. I love them and am very close to them. I pay for most of their activities and make sure they are well provided for - at both homes. Our court agreement is that we pay $1123 per month in child support for the 2 weeks they are with their mom and cover their health care and we are to split the child related expenses. We offer to pay the majority of the expenses to ease the financial pressure of their mom.

My question is... I do most of the organizing and filling out the forms for the kids' school, sports etc. The 10 year old has ADD and I have sought out help for him and have done everything to get him help and tutoring. Because I am often filling out forms for him in order to help him, I need to be able to sign on his behalf as his legal parent or guardian. Can I become a legal parent or guardian without his mom and dad giving up any parental rights or can I have a power of attorney from my husband to act on his behalf when he is away for signing these forms?


Asked on 9/08/09, 11:58 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Colin Greene Russakow, Greene & Tan, LLP

A power of attorney from your husband should work.

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Answered on 9/09/09, 9:19 am


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