Remember these tips for choosing the best legal guardian for your children.
When you become a parent, one of the most important considerations you must address is naming a legal guardian. Your child’s guardian will be named in your estate and responsible for the child when you can no longer be the primary caregiver. Legal guardians not only account for untimely deaths but illness, disability, and incarceration. A guardian takes on a role similar to a parent, becoming responsible for all decisions regarding the child’s upbringing. If you want to select the best legal guardian for your child, your Millman Law Group attorney can help you navigate this decision. The following factors will be involved in your decision-making process.
Why Do I Need to Appoint a Legal Guardian?
Legal guardianship is for parents who haven’t yet completed their Wills but want to protect their children. Parents want to be prepared for every situation, so considering the worst-case scenario in which you can no longer care for your children is essential. While many people may assume that their child would go to their closest family member if they were to die, that isn’t always the case. If you do not appoint a Legal Guardian, anyone in your life could come forward to make their case. Your child may even be placed in foster care temporarily while a court evaluates what is in the child’s best interests. Naming a guardian can mean that your child lives in a safe and stable environment during their time of grief.
What to Remember When Choosing a Guardian
- You May Want to Name More Than One: Naming multiple Legal Guardians, rather than one person or couple, can ensure that you have a say in who raises your kids, no matter what. If, for some reason, your first choice cannot perform the role, you have backups that you feel comfortable with.
- Always Ask Your Guardian First: Parents know how much a child changes a life. Even if you think someone is a perfect choice for Legal Guardian, consult with them and discuss your plans so they can be prepared and refuse the role if applicable.
What Makes a Good Legal Guardian
How can you choose the best Legal Guardian for your children? A good guardian should have the following characteristics:
- Capable of taking on the physical and emotional daily challenges of raising a child
- They are financially stable.
- They are physically healthy.
- They are emotionally mature and reliable.
- The guardian has similar morals and values as you do
You want to be able to imagine your child feeling comfortable in their new home with a guardian who continues to provide the safe, nurturing environment and life lessons you would give yourself.
Remember to update your plans frequently! As your child ages or your guardian’s marital status, location, or family size changes, consider whether your choice is still a good fit. Your estate planning lawyers at The Millman Law Group can recommend the best times to review your estate.
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.