Learn how you can best appoint guardians for your children when creating your estate plan.
It is difficult to imagine not being there for your children, but even though it may be hard to think about, selecting a guardian for your children after your death is essential. Appointing a guardian you know and trust is vital in securing your children’s future well-being if you’re gone. When creating your estate plan with The Millman Law Group, you can determine how to find and appoint guardians for your children. After taking this step, you can rest assured that your loved ones will be cared for if something should happen to you.
How Do You Select the Right Guardian?
At the end of the day, selecting the best guardian is simple. Ultimately, you want to choose someone you trust to raise your children, someone with morals and values you hold. It is best to appoint guardians for your children far in advance so you can minimize even slightly the additional trauma your children may endure after your loss. This is why many people appoint guardians with whom the children already have a relationship, such as grandparents, aunts or uncles, or close family friends. The following tips will help you select your children’s guardian:
- Consider your values and whether they align with the guardian.
- Make a short list of everybody you’re thinking of asking.
- Keep an open mind.
- You don’t have to rule someone out simply because they are or are not married.
- When selecting a married couple, can you see both individuals equally invested in raising your child? Do they have a stable relationship?
Next, ask yourself the following questions about the potential guardians:
- Are they financially stable?
- Will they be fit and able to care for children until adulthood?
- Where do they live?
The location should be considered, as you may not want your children to relocate their lives when moving in with their guardians.
What Is The Role of a Guardian?
When you appoint guardians for your children, it’s important to understand just what you are asking of your relative or family friend. The responsibilities of guardians include the following:
- Making medical and educational decisions
- Managing a Trust, administering funds as necessary
- Providing for your children until they are legal adults, including housing, food, and clothing
- Distributing funds left over from your estate once your children are adults
This is why you want to appoint guardians who are trustworthy, dependable, and ready to care for your children as their own.
How to Appoint a Guardian
You can legally and formally appoint guardians for your children in your Will. Your estate planning attorney at the Millman Law Group can help you ensure that your choice is clear and that your children will go to the person of your choice. However, remember to always discuss your plans with your potential guardian. Make sure they are up for it before you name them in your Will, and let them know when you have added their name to your estate. Communication is vital when preparing for the future of your family.
Estate Planning Made Easy With Millman Law Group
Millman Law Group, PLLC is rare because it’s one of the only law firms that offer life planning in South Florida. From life care planning to the preparation of detailed estate plans, Millman Law Group has committed to serving Floridian elderly communities in Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, Ocean Ridge, Hillsboro Beach, and many other areas since 2018. Our dedicated team also specializes in special needs Trusts and catering to any age demographic because we know for certain it’s never too early to start preparing you and your family for your future. For the latest news in estate planning and elder care law, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and Pinterest. You can also contact us at 561-463-6480.