Much of the estate planning process centers around distributing assets on a person’s death. However, one important aspect that can be overlooked is choosing a guardian for one’s minor children. A guardian can be nominated by including a clause in your will. The person or people you name will be responsible for suitably raising your minor child.
That makes is essential to make your selection carefully. What type of person makes a good guardian?
Someone who is physically able
Raising a child can be physically taxing. It’s important to think about whether the individual you nominate is physically strong enough to look after a young child and all that entails, from dressing them to taking them everywhere they need to go. What if the child has physical or mental health issues that require an intense level of care? What if the person you’d like to select as a guardian is aging, and likely to develop mobility issues/
Someone who is already compatible
A guardian should ideally be someone who already has a strong bond with your child. You are not restricted to family members purely because of the blood relation. What matters more is that your chosen guardian is already compatible. For instance, you may have a close family friend with children of their own. Should something happen to you, your child could blend into their family with little friction — and feel more like they have a true home.
Whatever route you take, it’s important to first consult with your child (if they are old enough to understand what that means) and the prospective guardian to get their views on the situation. Remember, you can change your mind at any point — and you can also name backups.
Choosing a guardian is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. That’s why it’s important to have legal guidance behind you.