Don’t Send Your Kids Back to School Without These Documents
Ensure Your Children's Safety: Designate Legal Guardians Now
As summer ends and back-to-school excitement grows, one crucial task often gets overlooked: designating legal guardians for your minor children. Legal guardians are the individuals you trust to care for your children if you are unable to do so.
Amidst the rush of back-to-school shopping and end-of-summer activities, naming legal guardians might seem like a low priority, but it’s actually one of the most important tasks you can undertake.
When kids return to school, they spend most of their day in the care of others—teachers, coaches, babysitters. These individuals, however, do not have legal authority to care for your children for more than a short time if you are in an accident or otherwise unreachable.
For those with children heading to college, you’ll no longer be able to make decisions or access their medical records during emergencies unless they have established Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives.
Avoid Informal Arrangements
The saying "it takes a village to raise a child" reflects the supportive network of friends and family around you. However, relying solely on informal agreements with them is not sufficient.
If you are incapacitated or pass away, your child might be taken into protective custody by social services until you recover or a permanent arrangement is made. The person who ends up taking your child might be a complete stranger or someone you would never have chosen, appointed by a court unfamiliar with your wishes and family dynamics.
Failing to name legal guardians can also lead to conflicts among family members who want to care for your children, subjecting your loved ones to lengthy and costly court processes. Not naming multiple guardians is a common mistake that can easily be avoided.
You understand your family better than anyone and know who would be best to raise your child. Without documenting your choice in advance, a judge unfamiliar with your family will make that decision.
The Importance of Guardianship
Naming short-term and long-term guardians ensures your children are always cared for by trusted individuals. For college-aged kids, having young adult planning documents in place, such as Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives, ensures you can access their accounts or make medical decisions if necessary.
Comprehensive Protection for Your Child
Creating a comprehensive protection plan for your children is essential. This plan includes naming short-term guardians with immediate authority and long-term guardians who can raise your children permanently if needed.
Your protection plan should include emergency ID cards with instructions for first responders to contact your child's guardian. Caregivers like babysitters and nannies should have clear instructions on how to reach the guardians and necessary legal documents to ensure a smooth process.
This approach not only names legal guardians but also creates a safety plan ensuring your children are always cared for as you would wish.
A Thoughtful Approach for Your Peace of Mind
As the back-to-school season approaches, don't overlook this essential task of naming legal guardians and creating a protection plan. This ensures your children and family are cared for and protected, allowing you to embrace the new academic year with peace of mind.
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This article is a service of Zarda Law, S.C. We do not just draft documents; we ensure you make informed decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get financially organized and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by scheduling a Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.
