Creating an estate plan can be a challenging process. This is even more so the case if you have a child who is under the age of 18.
If you find yourself in this situation, you need to ask yourself a very important question: Who will care for the child in the event that you and your spouse pass away? This is not something that anyone wants to think about, but it’s the responsible thing to do.
Here are several tips to follow when it comes time to choose a guardian for your minor child:
— Make a list of potential options. You don’t want to overlook the right person, so it’s a good idea to list out each and every person who may be able to serve as a guardian. You will only choose one, but it all starts with a comprehensive list.
— Learn more about the person’s values. What values does the person have? Do you want these to be passed along to your child? These are the types of questions that can lead you toward the right guardian.
— Financial stability. You don’t want to choose somebody who lacks the financial resources to care for your child. As you know, raising a child is not cheap. The person you select as guardian should be financially stable, as expenses will arise time and time again.
— Talk it over with your choice. It is one thing to say that you want to name someone the guardian of your minor child. It is another thing entirely for this person to agree. You should talk about the finer details before finalizing this in your estate plan.
These are just some of the many tips you can follow when it comes time to choose a guardian for your minor child.
Since this is one of the biggest decisions you will make with regard to estate planning, don’t hesitate to consult with an attorney. This can go a long way in putting your mind at ease and allowing you to realize that you are on the right track. If you have any questions or concerns, you know your attorney can step in and address them in a timely manner.