If you were to unexpectedly pass away, who would care for your children? If this question makes you nervous, you should make a plan and ensure that you have someone who is ready to care for your kids in the worst case scenario. You can choose a guardian for your minor children as a part of the estate planning process, and a Washtenaw County guardianship attorney from our firm can help you.
How Do I Name a Guardian?
You can name a guardian when you make your will. It’s also possible to make a separate document to establish guardianship if you and your spouse pass away. It can be tough to figure out exactly who should take care of your kids if you are unable to, but our lawyers can tell you more about what kinds of qualities to look for and what to consider before choosing one.
What Qualities Make For a Good Guardian?
When trying to choose a guardian, you should make the following considerations:
- What is the relationship between your children and this candidate like now?
- Would your chosen guardian be able to take on this responsibility?
- Where does this person live? Would the kids have to switch schools?
- How old is your guardian candidate? How is their health?
- Will this person be able to care for all of your kids or will they need to be split up?
You should also talk to someone before assigning them this responsibility. They could seem like the perfect guardian on paper, but they might have something else going on that would prevent them from focusing on this role.
Are There Different Types of Guardians?
You can also choose more than one type of guardian. Let’s say that one of your relatives is great with the kids and would make a good caretaker, but they’re not the best with money. You can make them a guardian and assign someone else to be a financial caretaker of sorts, responsible for helping your children manage the assets you leave behind for them before they become adults.
What Mistakes Should I Avoid When Picking a Guardian?
Some people pick two family members to take care of their children when they are gone, but this can be a bad idea. The common mistake is choosing a married couple, like an aunt and uncle, because they could end their relationship and make the process of assigning a guardian more confusing. You should choose just one person in that couple to be the guardian.
You should also remember to choose an alternate. If the person you choose to take care of your children is unable to for whatever reason, having a backup ensures that your wishes are honored and that the court won’t pick someone you would not have chosen to be a guardian.
Contact Our Law Firm
When you need help with your estate plan, contact Collis, Griffor & Hendra. Our experienced attorneys can help you name a guardian, establish a trust, and do anything else to ensure that your loved ones are cared for once you are gone. Schedule a consultation today.
