In Loco Parentis

What is In Loco Parentis?

The term in loco parentis, Latin for "in the place of a parent" refers to the care and control of the children by a person or organization, not the natural parent, in the absence of formal legal approval. This is temporary in character and does not connote parental rights.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, see our related Family Law terms:

• Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights
• Divided Custody
• Custody Decree
• Protective Order
• Alimony Pendente Lite

Reviewed by

Stephanie Bagnall

Licensed Attorney and Legal Researcher

Stephanie Bagnall is a Georgia-licensed attorney and legal researcher with experience in accessibility law, compliance, employment law, and legal writing. She helps develop and review BarPrepHero's Legal Terms content for clarity, accuracy, and usefulness to bar exam students.

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