The Matus Law Group
October 2nd, 2024
Estate planning becomes especially important when you have children.
It is essential not only for ensuring your wishes are respected and your family financially supported in your absence but also for appointing a guardian for your children should you and their other parent become incapacitated or pass away.
Moreover, accidents and unforeseen life-changing events can leave your minor children without parental care. In such scenarios, having a guardian chosen by you, who understands your children and your wishes, is preferable to having this decision made by a court and a judge unfamiliar with your family.
Unfortunately, common mistakes can complicate this process or lead to unintended outcomes. Therefore, understanding these pitfalls is crucial to making informed, thoughtful decisions that best serve your children’s interests.
- Avoid selecting a guardian based on societal or family expectations; prioritize the best choice for your child’s future.
- Emotion can cloud judgment; focus on who is logically best equipped to care for your children, even if personal relationships with that person are complicated.
- Ensure the chosen guardian does not have legal issues, such as a history of substance abuse or a criminal record, that could result in the court rejecting your selection.
- A potential guardian must have the financial stability to care for your children and provide for their needs, especially if you have more than one child.
- Choosing an elderly or ill guardian may result in your children facing additional loss; select someone with good prospects of being around for the long term.
