One of the most important decisions a parent must make during their lifetime is also the most unimaginable.
Who will you name as guardian(s) for your minor children?
First of all, NO ONE is going to do a better job than you. No one. Thankfully, you have the ability to hand pick a runner up in case the unimaginable actually happens.
“Yeah, but that won’t happen to me!”
Of course, it won’t! Unfortunately, we don’t really know that for certain and without the proper guardianship documents in place, a judge will be the one to make a decision on who will raise your children. Any ideas on who a judge would select for your children? Is that who you would want? What if it’s not?! Now they’re raising your children? Yikes.
Now that I’ve got you thinking, here are some things to avoid when contemplating that important decision:
Avoid naming only one potential guardian. I know, I’m sorry. It’s hard enough to pick one now I’m asking you to pick more?! Here’s the thing…what happens if your first choice can’t serve for whatever reason? Now everyone is back in court looking for a judge to decide. No thanks. So take the time to think a little bit more and choose an alternate while you’re at it.
Avoid only naming long-term guardians. Unless your long-term guardians live in your neighborhood you should really select short-term guardians to take care of your children until your long-term guardians are able to take over. Without short-term guardians, you run the risk of your children being placed into protective custody until a named or court appointed guardian is available.
Avoid naming a married couple and not addressing what will happen if one of them dies or the two of them divorce. Ignoring this “what-if” can potentially cause major conflict over who will ultimately serve as guardian for your children. SOLUTION – Specifically state in your guardianship nominations what should happen in the event that the couple uncouple.
Avoid forgetting about the cost. It’s incredible how much a minor child can cost, am I right?! Our food bills alone are insane and the older my three boys get the more likely I’ll be applying for open positions at the local food market. Be sure to think about whether you want your guardians to also be the financial decision makers for your kids. Speaking of financial decisions, make sure your named guardians won’t have to bear the financial burden of raising your children. Life insurance, my friends, life insurance.
Avoid Silence. Take the time to communicate with all of the individuals that may potentially fill this role. I’m always in for a good surprise, but, springing this kind of surprise on someone may not be the best choice.
Avoid ignoring the possibility to avoid. Sometimes the decision on who to select is much more difficult than who NOT to select. If there is someone you really DON’T want to serve as guardian for your children, speak up! We can always put something in place that will only see the light of day IF the person you want to avoid attempts to seek guardianship.