Litigation Lawyer
You want to be there for your children, and if anything happens to you, you want to be sure that your little ones will be provided for and given the best of care, explains a probate litigation lawyer from a law firm like Kaplan Law Practice, LLC. Here are five things to keep in mind when choosing a guardian for your young child.
1. The Guardian’s Lifestyle
The person you have in mind is probably someone you know thoroughly, somebody your children are used to. Consider the potential guardian’s lifestyle before making it official. Is the person you have in mind financially able to care for children? Do they have the time to invest in raising your children, or are they busy with a hectic schedule or a demanding job? Are they unusually young or old for a guardian and perhaps not prepared for child-rearing? Does this person have a criminal history or a tendency to be careless, get drunk, or take drugs?
2. The Guardian’s Values
Chances are you want your child’s guardian to bring up your children the same way you would. If you have strong religious beliefs or a certain parenting style, you want the guardian to share these values.
3. Willingness of the Guardian
It is imperative to speak with the potential guardian before you finalize your choice, as an unconsulted guardian can easily back out and say that they don’t want to raise your children. The person you have in mind may also have a good reason why they cannot or will not take charge of your children, such as a terminal illness. You want the person raising your children to be ready, able, and willing.
4. Different Options
Your children’s personal guardian and the guardian of their estate can easily be two different people. If you have many children with different needs, you can also appoint more than one guardian to look after them.
5. Making it Legal
Unless you have your lawyer draft the proper documents declaring your choice of guardian, the choice is not binding. Other people can fight for and quite possibly win custody of your children. It is absolutely paramount to have a lawyer with you every step of the planning process.
You love your children and want the best for them in case anything happens to you. Consider your children’s legal guardian very carefully, and get in touch with a litigation lawyer to answer any questions you may have and make your decision valid.