If you have minor children, it’s important to appoint the appropriate guardian for them in your will in the event that you or the other parents dies unexpectedly. Otherwise, the court will decide who will take care of your kids. The last thing you want is for someone you don’t approve of looking after your children. With that being said, here are some of the things you should look for in a guardian.
Age
Many people consider appointing their parents are guardians of their children. However, if your parents are getting up there in age and your children are still very young, it may not be a good idea to choose them as guardians. There’s a risk that they may become too ill to properly take care of your kids. It’s better to choose a guardian who is fairly young and in good physical health.
Finances
By now, you know just how expensive it can be to raise children. That’s why you should choose a guardian who has their finances in order. They should be financially secure enough to provide your children with adequate food, clothing, school supplies and other necessities. The last thing you want is for your children to go without the things they need.
Location
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
It’s also important to take a guardian’s location into consideration. Ideally, it’s best to choose a guardian who lives in the same town as you. That way, your children can stay at the same school and won’t have to move far away from family and friends. If the guardian lives in a different state, your children will have to move far away and endure even more stress.
Shared Values
When selecting a guardian for your children, make sure that this person shares your values and parenting style. You want to ensure that your kids are getting raised the way you had originally intended. For example, if you value religion, you’ll likely want to choose a guardian who is religious as well and will take your children to church regularly.
Character
It’s very important to choose a guardian with good moral character. After all, they could be potentially looking after your kids. Don’t choose someone with questionable character, like someone who has been arrested multiple times or a history of alcohol or drug abuse. The person you choose should be someone you completely trust to make the right decisions for your children. The guardian should be a good role model and always setting a good example for your kids.
Choosing a guardian for your children is one of the biggest decisions you can make, so be sure to choose wisely. Before you make it final, ask the person you want to appoint as guardian for approval. Being a guardian is a huge responsibility and not everyone may be up for the role. If you have further questions about appointing a guardian, consult with an experienced estate lawyer in Sacramento.
Thanks to Yee Law Group for their insight into estate planning and choosing a guardian for your children.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
