It’s a challenge to consider the fact that there could come a time when you’re not around to raise your children. And should this time come before they reach the age of 18, a legal guardian will step in to care for them.
Rather than have the court appoint this guardian, it’s best to name this person in your estate plan. Doing so will take all the guesswork out of the process, which helps put your mind at ease.
But there’s a question you need to answer: who’s the best guardian for your children?
For some, there’s a simple answer. But for most, it takes a bit more time and energy to make a confident decision.
As you head down this path, here are some questions you can answer to clear the air:
- What traits are most important to you in a guardian?
- Who has the best relationship with your children?
- Is the person financially stable to the point of being able to take on another child or children?
- What is their parenting style? Does it match yours?
- Can you trust the person to make the same types of parenting decisions as you?
Answering these questions will help you move some people to the top of your list, while eliminating others. As such a big decision, you don’t want to rush. Take your time, compare all your options, and then make a final choice.
Tip: don’t name someone as the guardian of your children until you first ask them if it’s okay to do so. You don’t want someone to be surprised should they be put in the position to become the guardian of your children.
If you have questions or concerns about choosing a guardian for your children, contact us. We’ll help you make the right decision for you and your family.
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