No parent wants to contemplate what would happen to their children if they and their spouse suddenly passed away, but it is important to have a plan in place, nonetheless. Nominating a guardian in your will ensures that your children will go to someone you trust, not someone chosen by the court. When deciding who to name, estate planning attorneys recommend considering the following.

What to Look for in a Legal Guardian

1. Shared Values

Selecting an individual with similar religious beliefs, parenting ideals, and overall values will ensure that your children are raised as you would have wanted. Continuity when it comes to the rules may also help ease the transition for your kids in this difficult situation.

2. Experience

A guardian will fill the parental role for your son or daughter, so choose someone who is comfortable and experienced with children. While they don’t necessarily have to be a parent themselves, your chosen guardian should have spent time with young ones and demonstrated an ability to relate to them.

3. Age

Many people choose their own parents as guardians of their children, but with that comes the risk that they, too, will pass on while your kids are still minors. Someone closer to your own age might also have more energy for keeping up with the children on a daily basis.

4. Financial Resources

Children are a significant financial investment, so you will want to choose someone with the resources to provide a suitable level of care. Alternatively, your attorney can help you establish a trust, where you can keep funds to help pay the cost of raising them.
 

Since 1972, the attorneys at Cada Cada & Jewson have provided high-quality legal advice and personal attention to clients throughout the Lincoln, NE, area. Drawing on their extensive experience, they’ll help you plan for the future and protect what matters most. Visit their website for more on their estate planning services, get further insight on Twitter, or call (402) 477-2233 to speak with an attorney today.