Protect your Children by appointing a Legal Guardian

If you have any children under the age of 18, you may want to consider appointing a guardian in your will. A guardian takes parental responsibility for children, in the event of both parents' death. This role includes looking after and making decisions for your children. Appointing a guardian is not an easy task and should be carefully thought out.

 

Probate courts appoint legal guardians to care for minor children if their parents die. A guardian ensures a child receives such things as housing, food, education and health care until he reaches the age of 18. Parents can nominate individuals to serve as guardians in their wills. Without formal appointing your children may be put into care until the courts decide who your children should be with.

You may choose to have more than one guardian, but make sure the people you choose will agree on what is best for your child. For example, one guardian can be in charge of taking care of the child and living with them, while another guardian can be appointed to manage the child’s assets.

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It is also advisable to name an alternate guardian in your will, in the event that the appointed guardian is not able to fulfil their role.

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Before appointing the guardian, make sure the person you choose is willing to take on such an important role.

Family structure and relationship status: it's important that your children become part of a stable and comfortable family environment. 

Lifestyle: consider appointing someone that shares your lifestyle, so as to preserve your children's habits and way of life as much as possible health and age of the guardian: make sure your guardian has the mental and physical ability to raise a child a grandparent may not be able.

Personality: raising somebody else's child is a very difficult task - consider appointing someone who's caring, patient, dedicated and trustworthy.

Financial stability: a stable job and income may be an important factor in your decision. location: it may be better for your children to live in a place that's not too far from where they've been raised. Distance to school, relatives and friends should also be taken into account.