Three Considerations When Naming Guardians For Your Children
Choosing legal guardians for your children is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It's a big responsibility, but with careful thought, you can ensure your children are cared for as you would want. Here are three things to consider.
Parenting Style
Consider the guardian’s parenting style and values. Do they align with your approach to raising children? This includes everything from discipline to education to extracurricular activities. A guardian who shares your parenting philosophy can provide a sense of continuity for your children.
Backups Are Key
Life is unpredictable. Having a backup plan is crucial. Consider naming a backup guardian (or 2!) in case your first choice is unable to fulfill the role. This could be due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, relocation, personal issues, or even death.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Care
While you’re thinking about long-term guardianship, it’s also wise to plan for emergency or short-term care. This could be a friend, family member, or trusted neighbor who lives within 30 minutes of you and can step in for a temporary period if you’re unexpectedly hospitalized or unable to care for your children. This person can provide stability and support during a challenging time.
McPhillips Law provides a detailed Emergency Plan Toolkit to every client that covers not only childcare but also pets, household, financial, and digital asset instructions in case of emergency.
Ready to nominate guardians?
Remember, choosing legal guardians is a deeply personal decision. It’s important to involve your partner in the process and to communicate openly with your potential guardians. Their willingness and ability to take on this responsibility should be a top priority.
If you are ready to memorialize your wishes concerning guardians for your children, I make the process of designing a will or trust simple and convenient! Start by booking a Peace of Mind Planning Session with Attorney Candice McPhillips. This is a 1-hour Zoom meeting where we will review your questionnaire, answer your questions, and present my flat fee packages! If we decide we’re a good fit to work together, we’ll take next steps. And if not, that’s fine too! Book your Peace of Mind Planning Session HERE. Mention this blog and I’ll waive the $450 session fee!
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This article is not intended to provide legal advice or opinion and should not be relied on as such. Legal advice can only be provided to clients of McPhillips Law in response to a specific fact situation.
