questions & answers

Question: I am a stepparent. My husband's ex indicated that I can not sign permission slips for the kids to attend school field trips. I checked with the district and they said I could as long as my husband agreed. I always send a copy of the permission slip to his ex (she has never provided the same courtesy to my husband). I want to do what is right and legal. May I continue to sign permissions slips and pay for field trips or must my husband sign these slips?

Answer: Step-parents have no legal custody rights over their step-children. Step-parents cannot consent to medical care, sign school papers, etc. However, A.R.S. 14-5104 - Delegation of powers by parent or guardian - states: A parent 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 six months, any powers he may have regarding care, custody or property of the minor child or ward, except power to consent to marriage or adoption of the minor."