Selecting the Right Guardian for Your Children

One of the most difficult decisions you’ll ever have to make is selecting a guardian for your young children. While it may be difficult, it is an important step in your estate planning process. It is always best to select someone your children know, but also someone who will raise your children the way you would if you were still alive. Consider some of these tips for selecting your guardian:

1. Location – Where does your potential guardian live? Will your children have to relocate to a new school or state? Keep in mind that your children are already going through an emotional transition, so relocating can make it that much more difficult.
2. Familiar – Are your children familiar with their potential guardian? You want to select someone your children know and have a relationship with. You also want to ensure that the person has a level of trust from your children.
3. Preparedness – The guardian you select needs to be prepared for the job. Do they have a stable home? Means of employment? Are they physically and emotionally ready to be a parent? Make sure the individual you select understands the responsibility of raising a child (or multiple children) and they’re capable of doing it.
4. Special Needs – If any of your children have special needs, you need a guardian able to care for them. It helps if your guardian is already familiar with your child’s needs and what care he or she must receive.

Consult your estate planning attorney for additional advice on how to select the right guardian for your children. Take your time and never make it a hasty decision.