Gov. Phil Murphy has signed legislation, A4640/S2886, amending New Jersey’s standby guardianship laws to expand caregivers’ ability to make prospective alternative arrangements for their children in case of an emergency.

This new law will help streamline the process to allow parents and guardians to designate alternative caregivers temporarily without going to court.

“When parents are unable to care for their children due to unforeseeable or emergent circumstances, they should have right to choose their caregivers,” said Murphy. “This legislation will help parents make these necessary arrangements and give them peace of mind knowing that their children are being cared for.”