Have You Made one of These 6 Common Mistakes That Could Leave Your Kids in the Care of Someone You Would Never Choose?
Naming guardians for your children is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make as a parent. However, it's easy to make mistakes in this process. Here are six common pitfalls to avoid:
1. Naming a Couple as Guardians Without Clarity
Appointing a couple to act as guardians might seem straightforward, but what if you don't equally trust both individuals? Additionally, it's important to specify what should happen if the couple breaks up or if one partner passes away. Without clear instructions, your wishes might not be followed as you intended.
2. Only Naming a Single Guardian
Relying on a single guardian can be risky. If something happens to your first choice, who will step in? It's essential to name multiple potential guardians to ensure your children are always cared for by someone you trust.
3. Ignoring Financial Considerations
Choosing a guardian based solely on their ability to care for your children without considering their financial situation can be problematic. Guardians don't need to manage your children's finances. You can appoint a separate financial trustee to handle financial matters, ensuring your children's needs are met without overburdening the guardians.
4. Relying Solely on a Will
If you only have a Will, the court will handle the distribution of your assets. This process is public and can expose your estate to legal challenges, including divorce and lawsuits. Consider setting up a trust to provide more control and protection over your assets.
5. Failing to Exclude Potential Challengers
If there are individuals you know you wouldn't want caring for your children, it's crucial to explicitly exclude them in your legal documents. This helps prevent any legal challenges to your guardian decisions.
6. Overlooking Short-Term Guardianship
Most parents only think about long-term guardians but neglect to plan for the short term. If you're in an accident, who will take care of your children immediately until the permanent guardians arrive? Make sure you have short-term arrangements in place to cover those crucial hours or days.
Solutions to Common Mistakes
If you've made any of these six mistakes, don't worry—there are solutions! Schedule a consultation to learn how you can ensure your children are always cared for by people you know, love, and trust.
We understand that meeting with a lawyer might not be your idea of fun. However, many of our clients have found great relief and satisfaction after their Legacy Planning Session. They love the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is properly set up for their future and their loved ones.
Schedule your consultation today by clicking here.
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 a Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before 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.
