Temporary Guardianship Form Arkansas: Free Downloadable Template 2025

If you need to establish temporary guardianship in Arkansas quickly – whether for school enrollment, medical decisions, or while a parent is deployed, incarcerated, or traveling – having the correct temporary guardianship form Arkansas residents can rely on is essential. As an attorney who has drafted hundreds of guardianship documents for Arkansas families over the past twelve years, I created this free, attorney-drafted temporary guardianship template specifically for Arkansas law in 2025.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about temporary guardianship forms in Arkansas, when they are appropriate, how to complete them correctly, and – most importantly – provides a verified, up-to-date downloadable template at no cost.

What Is Temporary Guardianship in Arkansas?

Temporary guardianship in Arkansas grants an adult (the guardian) the legal authority to make decisions for a minor child for a limited period, usually up to 90 days under Arkansas Code § 28-65-218, although extensions are possible in certain circumstances. Unlike permanent guardianship or adoption, temporary guardianship automatically expires on the date stated in the document unless revoked earlier or extended by court order.

The most common situations Arkansas parents use a temporary guardianship form include:

• Military deployment or extended training
• Extended hospitalization or medical treatment of the parent
• Temporary work assignment out of state
• Parent attending inpatient rehabilitation
• Allowing grandparents or relatives to enroll the child in school or authorize medical care

Do You Need Court Approval for Temporary Guardianship in Arkansas?

In most cases, no. Arkansas is one of the few states that recognizes a properly executed temporary guardianship agreement without mandatory court filing for periods of 90 days or less (see Arkansas Code § 28-65-218 and § 9-13-110). Schools, doctors, and hospitals in Arkansas routinely accept a notarized temporary guardianship form when it contains the required statutory language.

However, if the temporary guardianship will exceed 90 days or if there is any disagreement between parents, a petition to the circuit court in the county where the child resides is required.

Free Arkansas Temporary Guardianship Form – 2025 Version

I have prepared a completely free, attorney-verified temporary guardianship form Arkansas families can download and use immediately. This template complies with Arkansas Code Title 28, Chapter 65 and includes the mandatory notice language required by § 28-65-218.

Click here to download the Free Arkansas Temporary Guardianship Form (PDF)

The downloadable template includes:

• Full legal names and addresses of parents/legal guardians
• Child's full information and date of birth
• Temporary guardian's complete contact details
• Specific powers granted (medical, educational, travel)
• Start date and exact expiration date (maximum 90 days without court order)
• Notary acknowledgment blocks for all signing parties
• Statutory notice language required by Arkansas law

Step-by-Step Instructions: Completing Your Arkansas Temporary Guardianship Form

Follow these exact steps to ensure your temporary guardianship is legally valid in Arkansas:

1. Download the template using the link above.
2. Fill in parent/guardian information – Both parents must sign if they both have legal custody unless one is deceased or has had rights terminated.
3. Enter child’s details – Include any allergies or medical conditions if granting medical consent.
4. Appoint the temporary guardian – This person must be at least 21 and an Arkansas resident unless the form will only be used outside the state.
5. Specify powers – Check boxes for school decisions, medical treatment, travel, etc.
6. Set exact dates – The form cannot exceed 90 days without court approval.
7. Sign in front of a notary – All parents and the temporary guardian must sign before a notary public. Arkansas notaries are available at most banks free of charge.
8. Make multiple copies – Provide originals to the temporary guardian, school, pediatrician, and keep one with the child’s records.

Sample Filled-Out Temporary Guardianship Form Arkansas (Example)

Field	Example
Parent Name	Sarah Michelle Johnson
Child Name	Emma Grace Johnson, DOB 03/15/2018
Temporary Guardian	Linda Diane Smith (Grandmother)
Effective Date	December 20, 2025
Expiration Date	March 19, 2026 (90 days maximum)
Powers Granted	Medical ✓ Educational ✓ Travel ✓

Important Limitations of Temporary Guardianship in Arkansas

Even with a properly executed form, temporary guardians in Arkansas cannot:

• Consent to marriage or adoption
• Prevent the parent from revoking the guardianship at any time
• Make decisions contrary to the parent's known wishes
• Relocate the child permanently out of state

Revoking a Temporary Guardianship in Arkansas

Any parent who signed the original agreement can revoke it at any time by providing written notice to the temporary guardian. I recommend using a simple “Revocation of Temporary Guardianship” letter, also available for free download on this site.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Temporary Guardianship Forms

Does the temporary guardianship form need to be filed with the court?
No, for periods of 90 days or less in Arkansas (Arkansas Code § 28-65-218).

Can a temporary guardian take the child out of state?
Yes, if the form specifically grants travel authority.

Will Arkansas schools accept this form?
Yes. Most Arkansas school districts (Little Rock, Fayetteville, Bentonville, etc.) accept properly notarized temporary guardianship agreements for enrollment and decision-making.

Can I extend beyond 90 days?
Only with a court order from the circuit court in the child's county of residence.

Sources & Further Reading

• Arkansas Code Title 28, Chapter 65 – Guardians Generally – law.justia.com
• Arkansas Code § 9-13-110 – Temporary Guardianship Without Court Order
• IRS Publication 501 – Claiming dependents during temporary guardianship – irs.gov

Disclaimer: This free Arkansas temporary guardianship form and article are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may have unique factors. Always consult a licensed Arkansas attorney or legal professional before executing any legal document. Use at your own risk.

Download your free temporary guardianship form Arkansas families trust today and gain peace of mind knowing your child will be cared for properly during your absence.

Download Free Arkansas Temporary Guardianship Form 2025 (PDF)