2006 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 257B. STANDBY CUSTODIAN; DESIGNATION; GUARDIAN

257B.01 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Scope. The definitions in this section apply to this chapter.
    Subd. 2. Alternate. "Alternate" means a person with all the rights, responsibilities, and
qualifications of a standby custodian who shall become a standby custodian if the currently
designated standby custodian is unable or unwilling to fulfill the obligations of custodian.
    Subd. 3. Attending physician. "Attending physician" means a physician who has primary
responsibility for the treatment and care of the designator. If physicians share responsibility,
another physician is acting on the attending physician's behalf, or no physician has primary
responsibility, any physician who is familiar with the designator's medical condition may act
as an attending physician under this chapter.
    Subd. 4. Co-custodian. "Co-custodian" means a standby custodian who is acting as
custodian along with the parents and shares physical or legal custody of the children, or both,
due to the occurrence of a triggering event.
    Subd. 5. Consent. "Consent" means a written authorization signed by the designator in the
presence of two witnesses who also sign the writing. The witnesses must be 18 years of age or
older and not named in the designation.
    Subd. 6. Debilitation. "Debilitation" means a person's chronic and substantial inability, as a
result of a physically incapacitating disease or injury, to care for the children.
    Subd. 7. Designation. "Designation" means a written document naming a standby or
temporary custodian. A parent may designate an alternate standby custodian in the same writing.
A parent may not designate an alternate temporary custodian.
    Subd. 8. Designator. "Designator" means a parent or legal custodian who appoints a standby
or temporary custodian.
    Subd. 9. Determination of debilitation. "Determination of debilitation" means a written
finding made by an attending physician which states that the designator suffers from a physically
incapacitating disease or injury. No identification of the illness in question is required.
    Subd. 10. Determination of incapacity. "Determination of incapacity" means a written
finding made by an attending physician which states the nature, extent, and probable duration of
the designator's mental or organic incapacity.
    Subd. 11. Incapacity. "Incapacity" means a chronic and substantial inability, resulting from a
mental or organic impairment, to understand the nature and consequences of decisions concerning
the care of the designator's dependent children and a consequent inability to care for the children.
    Subd. 12. Standby custodian. "Standby custodian" means a person named by a designator to
assume the duties of co-custodian or custodian of a child and whose authority becomes effective
upon the incapacity, debilitation and consent, or death of the child's parent.
    Subd. 13. Temporary custodian. "Temporary custodian" means a person named by a
designator to assume the duties of legal and physical custodian of a child for a specific time
up to 24 months.
    Subd. 14. Triggering event. "Triggering event" means a specified occurrence stated in the
designation that empowers a standby or temporary custodian to assume the powers, duties, and
responsibilities of custodian or co-custodian.
History: 2000 c 404 s 2

257B.02 APPLICATION OF OTHER LAW; CONSTRUCTION.
Chapters 257 and 518 and sections 524.5-101 to 524.5-502 apply to standby custodians,
temporary custodians, co-custodians, custodians, and alternates unless otherwise specified
in this chapter.
Nothing in this chapter may be construed to deprive a parent of any parental rights or
responsibilities. A designator does not lose any custodial rights by the appointment of a standby
or temporary custodian.
Nothing in this chapter may be construed to relieve any parent of a duty to support the
parent's children. A preexisting child support order is not suspended or terminated during the time
a child is cared for by a standby or temporary custodian, unless otherwise provided by court order.
A standby custodian or temporary custodian has a cause of action for child support against an
absent parent under section 256.87, subdivision 5.
History: 2000 c 404 s 3; 2004 c 146 art 3 s 27

257B.03 DESIGNATOR.
(a) A parent with legal and physical custody or a legal custodian may designate a standby or
temporary custodian by means of a written designation unless the child has another legal parent:
(1) whose parental rights have not been terminated;
(2) whose whereabouts are known; and
(3) who is willing and able to make and carry out the daily custodial care and make decisions
concerning the child.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a parent or legal custodian may designate a standby or
temporary custodian with the consent of the other parent, or as provided by section 257B.05,
subdivision 6 .
(c) A legal custodian pursuant to a designation of temporary custodianship may not designate
a different temporary custodian.
History: 2000 c 404 s 4

257B.04 CONTENTS OF DESIGNATION.
    Subdivision 1. Required information. A designation of a standby or temporary custodian
must identify the designator making the designation; the children; the other parent, if any; the
standby or temporary custodian; and the triggering event or events upon which a standby or
temporary custodian becomes a co-custodian or custodian. Different standby custodians may be
designated for different triggering events. The designation must include the signed consent of
the standby or temporary custodian and the signed consent of the other parent or a statement
why the other parent's consent is not required.
    Subd. 2. Signature; witnesses. The designation must be signed by the designator in the
presence of two witnesses who are 18 years of age or older and not otherwise named in the
designation. The witnesses must also sign the declaration.
If the designator is physically unable to sign the designation, the designator may direct
another person not named in the designation to sign on the designator's behalf in the presence of
the designator and both witnesses.
    Subd. 3. Alternate. A designator may, but need not, designate an alternate standby custodian
in the designation. No alternate temporary custodian may be named.
    Subd. 4. Recommended form. A designation may, but need not, be in the following form:
"I (insert name of designator) do hereby appoint (insert name, address, and telephone number
of standby or temporary custodian) as the standby or temporary custodian of (insert name(s) of
child(ren)) to take effect upon the occurrence of the following triggering event or events (insert
specific triggering events).
I am the (insert designator's relationship to child(ren)) of (insert name(s) of child(ren)).
(Insert name(s) of child(ren)'s other parent) is the other parent of (insert name(s) of child(ren)).
The other parent's address is:
(check all that apply):
.... The other parent died on (insert date of death).
.... The other parent's parental rights were terminated on (insert date of termination).
.... The other parent's whereabouts are unknown. I understand that all living parents whose
rights have not been terminated must be given notice of this designation pursuant to the Minnesota
Rules of Civil Procedure or a petition to approve this designation may not be granted by the court.
.... The other parent is unwilling and unable to make and carry out day-to-day child-care
decisions concerning the child(ren).
.... The other parent consents to this designation and has signed this form below.
By this designation I am granting (insert name of standby or temporary custodian) the
authority to act for 60 days following the occurrence of the triggering event as a co-custodian
with me, or in the event of my death, as custodian of my child(ren).
A temporary custodian appointment terminates upon the death of the designator.
(Optional) I hereby nominate (insert name, address, and telephone number of alternate
standby custodian) as the alternate standby custodian to assume the duties of the standby custodian
named above if the standby custodian is unable or unwilling to act as a standby custodian.
If I have indicated more than one triggering event, it is my intent that the triggering event
which occurs first shall take precedence. If I have indicated "my death" as the triggering event, it
is my intent that the person named in the designation to be standby custodian for my child(ren) in
the event of my death shall be appointed as guardian of my child(ren) under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 524.5-201 to 524.5-317, upon my death.
It is my intention to retain full parental rights to the extent consistent with my condition and to
retain the authority to revoke the appointment of a standby or temporary custodian if I so choose.
This designation is made after careful reflection, while I am of sound mind.

	(Date)		(Designator's Signature)
	(Witness' Signature)		(Witness' Signature)
	(Number and Street)		(Number and Street)
	(City, State, and Zip Code)		(City, State, and Zip Code)

IF APPLICABLE: I (insert name of other parent) hereby consent to this designation.

	(Date)		(Signature of other parent)
	(Address of other parent)

I, (insert name of standby or temporary custodian), hereby accept my nomination as
standby or temporary custodian of (insert child(ren)'s name(s)). I understand that my rights and
responsibilities toward the child(ren) named above will become effective upon the occurrence
of the above-stated triggering event or events. I further understand that in order to continue
caring for the child(ren), I must file a petition with the court within 60 days of the occurrence of
the triggering event.

	(Date)		(Signature of Standby or Temporary Custodian)"

    Subd. 5. Standby or temporary custodian indication on driver's license. A designator
who wishes to have a standby or temporary custodian indication placed on the designator's driver's
license may do so as provided in section 171.07, subdivision 11.
History: 2000 c 404 s 5; 2004 c 146 art 3 s 28

257B.05 PETITION FOR APPROVAL.
    Subdivision 1. Generally. A petition for approval of a designation under this chapter may be
made at any time by filing with the court a copy of the designation. No filing fee is required to
initiate the proceeding. A court may, however, determine the ability to pay fees in the event of a
hearing on the petition. Only the designator may file a petition for confirmation of a temporary
custodian. If the triggering event has not occurred on or before the time of filing, only the
designator may file the petition for confirmation of a standby custodian. If the triggering event
has occurred on or before the time of filing, the standby custodian named in the designation may
file a petition containing one of the following:
(1) a determination of the designator's incapacity;
(2) a determination of the designator's debilitation and the designator's signed and dated
consent; or
(3) a copy of the designator's death record.
    Subd. 2. Notice. (a) The petitioner must serve any person named in the designation and any
other current caregiver of the children with a copy of the petition and designation and notice of
any hearing within ten days of the filing of the petition.
(b) If the petition alleges that a nondesignating parent cannot be located, that parent must be
notified in accordance with section 518.11.
No notice is required to a parent whose parental rights have been terminated by a court order.
    Subd. 3. Jurisdiction. For purposes of determining jurisdiction under this chapter, the
provisions of chapter 518D apply.
    Subd. 4. Presumptions. In a proceeding for judicial confirmation of a standby custodian
or temporary custodian, a designation constitutes a presumption that the designated custodian is
capable of serving as co-custodian or custodian. If the designator is the sole surviving parent,
the parental rights of the other parent have been terminated, or both parents consent to the
designation, there is a presumption that entry of an order confirming the designation of the
standby or temporary custodian is in the best interest of the children.
    Subd. 5. Approval without hearing. Approval of the designation without a hearing is
permitted if the designator is the sole surviving parent, the parental rights of the other parent have
been terminated, or both parents consent to confirmation of the standby or temporary custodian.
    Subd. 6. Hearing. A hearing is required if there is a parent other than the designator whose
parental rights have not been terminated and who has not consented to the designation. The court
shall apply the factors in section 518.17 and make specific findings in determining whether to
confirm the designation of the standby or temporary custodian, to appoint a different custodian, or
to grant custody to the other parent. A court that finds the appointment of the standby or temporary
custodian to be in the best interest of the child shall enter an order confirming the designation.
    Subd. 7. Court appearance. A designator who is medically unable to appear in court need
not appear.
History: 2000 c 404 s 6; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 15 s 32

257B.06 CUSTODIAN'S AUTHORITY.
    Subdivision 1. Generally. A standby or temporary custodian may act as co-custodian or
custodian upon the occurrence of the triggering event. The commencement of the standby or
temporary custodian's authority to act as co-custodian pursuant to a determination of incapacity, a
determination of debilitation and consent, or the receipt of consent alone does not itself divest the
designator of any parental rights but confers on the standby or temporary custodian concurrent or
shared custody of the child.
    Subd. 2. Death of designator. The commencement of the standby custodian's authority
to act as custodian because of the death of the designator does not confer upon the standby
custodian more than legal and physical custody of the child as defined in chapter 518. On the
death of the designator, the standby custodian shall be appointed a guardian pursuant to sections
524.5-201 to 524.5-317. No separate petition is required. No bond or accounting is required
except as specified in this chapter.
    Subd. 3. Involvement of designator. A co-custodian shall assure frequent and continuing
contact with and physical access by the designator with the child and shall assure the involvement
of the parents, to the greatest extent possible, in decision making on behalf of the child.
    Subd. 4. Effect of filing. The designator may file a petition for approval of a designation
with the court at any time. If the petition is approved by the court before the occurrence of the
triggering event, the standby or temporary custodian's authority commences automatically upon
the occurrence of the triggering event. No further petition or confirmation is required. If a
designation has been made but the petition for approval of the designation has not been filed and
a triggering event has occurred, the standby custodian has temporary legal authority to act as a
co-custodian or custodian of the child(ren) without the direction of the court for a period of 60
days. The standby custodian must, within that period, file a petition for approval in accordance
with this chapter. If no petition is filed within 60 days, the standby custodian loses all authority to
act as co-custodian or custodian. If a petition is filed but the court does not act upon it within the
60-day period, the temporary legal authority to act as co-custodian or custodian continues until
the court orders otherwise.
    Subd. 5. Parental rights. The commencement of a co-custodian's or custodian's authority
under this chapter does not, by itself, divest a parent or legal custodian of any parental or
custodial rights.
    Subd. 6. Modification of appointment. Once a court has confirmed the designation of a
standby custodian, the appointment may be modified only under section 518.18, except that the
designator may revoke the designation under section 257B.07.
    Subd. 7. Restored capacity. If a licensed physician determines that the designator has
regained capacity, the co-custodian's authority that commenced on the occurrence of a triggering
event becomes inactive. Failure of a co-custodian to immediately return the child(ren) to the
designator's care entitles the designator to an emergency hearing within five days of a request for
a hearing.
History: 2000 c 404 s 7; 2004 c 146 art 3 s 29

257B.07 REVOCATION.
    Subdivision 1. Prepetition. Prior to a petition being filed under this chapter, the designator
may revoke the appointment of a standby or temporary custodian by destruction of the designation
and notification of the revocation to the standby or temporary custodian.
    Subd. 2. Postpetition. After a petition has been filed, the designator may revoke the
designation of standby or temporary custodian by:
(1) executing a written revocation;
(2) filing the revocation with the court; and
(3) notifying the persons named in the designation of the revocation in writing.
    Subd. 3. Unwritten revocation. An unwritten revocation of the designation may be
considered by the court if it can be proven by clear and convincing evidence.
History: 2000 c 404 s 8

257B.08 CONFLICTING DOCUMENTS.
If a parent has appointed a testamentary guardian of children by will under chapter 529 and
there is a conflict between the designation in the will and a duly executed standby custodian
designation, the document latest in date of execution prevails.
History: 2000 c 404 s 9; 2005 c 10 art 4 s 14

257B.09 BOND.
A standby or temporary custodian must not be required to post bond prior to the occurrence
of the triggering event. The court may require a bond if the standby or temporary custodian is
designated the co-custodian or custodian of the estate of the children but may not require a bond
for the co-custodianship of the person of the children.
History: 2000 c 404 s 10

257B.10 TRANSITION.
If a designated caregiver agreement entered under chapter 257A before April 15, 2000,
would have become operative but for the operation of Laws 2000, chapter 404, sections 1 to 13,
the parent who executed the agreement, or if the parent is unable to act, the designated caregiver
under the agreement may file a petition under section 257B.05 to request that the designated
caregiver agreement be approved by the court as a standby custodian.
History: 2000 c 404 s 11