(a) A parent who has custody, or a guardian, of a minor or incapacitated person, by a properly executed power of attorney, may delegate to another person, for a period not exceeding one year, any power regarding health, support, education, or maintenance of the person or property of the minor child or ward, except the power to consent to marriage or adoption of a minor ward. Temporary “delegation” of parental powers does not relieve the parent or guardian of the primary responsibility for the minor or incapacitated person.

Terms Used In Alabama Code 26-2A-7

  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • minor ward: is a minor for whom a guardian has been appointed solely because of minority. See Alabama Code 26-2A-20
  • person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • Power of attorney: A written instrument which authorizes one person to act as another's agent or attorney. The power of attorney may be for a definite, specific act, or it may be general in nature. The terms of the written power of attorney may specify when it will expire. If not, the power of attorney usually expires when the person granting it dies. Source: OCC
  • property: includes both real and personal property. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • year: means a calendar year; but, whenever the word "year" is used in reference to any appropriations for the payment of money out of the treasury, it shall mean fiscal year. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not be used or construed to allow a parent or guardian to thwart or circumvent provisions of Chapter 15 of Title 12 and Article 2 of Chapter 2 of Title 44.