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Here’s Why You Should Appoint a Guardian for Your Children

  • Posted on: Jun 20 2023
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As parents we want to protect our children. One of the most important things that you can do for your children is to establish guardians should something happen to you. This can ensure that your children are taken care of in an emergency. Here’s why you should appoint a guardian for your children. 

1. Ensure Your Children are Cared For

In the event that you and any spouse pass away or are unable to care for your children, an appointed guardian can step in and take care of them. If you don’t designate a guardian for your children, they could end up with relatives who don’t want them or aren’t prepared for them. If there are no direct relatives to take your children in, they could end up in the foster care system. 

2. Avoid Family Conflict

The last thing you want is for your children to be involved in family conflict regarding who is to care for them. By establishing a designated guardian for your kids, you can reduce the likelihood that there will be conflict and can ensure that the person you want to care for your kids is who they will be with. 

3. Provide Peace of Mind

Knowing that you have a clearly selected guardian for your children can provide you with a great peace of mind. You’ll want to choose someone who shares your values and your style of parenting. It’s best to have an in-depth discussion with the individual(s) whom you want to designate to ensure that they are on the same page and that this is something they would be good with should events necessitate their help. 

4. Plan for Finances

Appointing a guardian for your children is also important because it can help you to determine the financial implications of them going with a particular person. This is especially helpful if the individual doesn’t have a lot of money. You may wish to establish a trust to provide for their needs or make alternative financial plans. 

5. Eliminate Unnecessary Stress on Your Kids

When your children are already navigating the difficult time of something incapacitating you or of you passing away, they shouldn’t also be stuck with making difficult decisions regarding who will care for them. By appointing someone you believe is the right guardian for them, you can help to alleviate unnecessary stress during a stressful time. 

It’s extremely important to appoint a guardian for your children as soon as possible. You don’t want to wait until it’s too late to do so. 

The Law Offices of Brian L. Fox, APLC Help those Who Wish to Appoint a Guardian for their Children

If you live in California and wish to appoint a guardian for your children, it’s in your best interest to consult with a qualified California estate planning attorney who can help. 

At the Law Offices of Brian L. Fox, APLC we know how important it is to protect your children and their wellbeing. We will help you to establish a comprehensive estate plan that include the appointment of a guardian for your children. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!

Posted in: Estate Planning