Designation of Person in Parental Relation (PPR)

A Designation of Person in Parental Relation is a form that lets someone you trust make everyday medical and educational choices for your child. This person is called the "Person in Parental Relation" or PPR. This is not the same as being a legal guardian.

The PPR designation:

• Lasts up to 1 year, but expires if you lose capacity or die
• Does not require going to court
• Is for routine, everyday medical and educational decisions

When does it start working?

You can decide when the PPR begins:

• Immediately after signing the form
• At a future date you choose
• Upon a specific "triggering event" you choose

Limits

A  PPR is for less than a year. You decide how many months or days. If the PPR is for more than 30 days, you need to get the form notarized. If you want to end the designation early, send a simple, written notice to the PPR and let other people know.

The person you choose as a PPR has limited power. They cannot:

• make major medical decisions
• change your child's school district
• get a passport for your child

They also might not be able to deal with certain benefits or subsidized housing issues for your child. 

Who can set up a PPR?

Only a parent of a child can choose a PPR. If there's a court order requiring both parents to agree on education or health decisions, then both parents must sign the PPR form. If there is not a court order, one parent can sign alone.

Will I lose my parental rights?

No! You will not lose your parental rights with a PPR. If you and the PPR disagree on an issue, you can make the final decision. You can end the PPR designation any time.

Is this right for my situation?

A PPR is helpful if you:

• Need someone to handle everyday matters for your child for a limited time
• Want to keep full control over your child's care
• Don't want to involve courts
• Want an arrangement that's easy to change or cancel

How do I get started?

1. Download Form 4940 from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
2. Fill in your family information.
3. Set the dates or describe the event that starts the Designation of PPR.
4. Check the boxes for what you want the PPR to do, and add special instructions if you need.
5. Sign and date it in front of a notary public.
6. Make a copy for yourself and keep it in a safe place.
7. Give a copy to the person you picked to be the PPR.

To renew the PPR designation (after it expires), go through steps 1-7 again.