Considering your child’s life without you is never easy, but it is important to think about it. In the unfortunate event that your child is left without you to provide and care for them, your voice and choice can still be heard. That is why we have developed a list of short questions you should ask yourself when considering who to nominate as your child’s guardian. The idea is not to scare you, but to prepare your child for their best life.
- Who could drop everything to care for your child?
- What do you want for your child’s future?
- What is the level of health and financial responsibility of your potential guardian choice?
Who could drop everything to care for your child?
Typically, the need for a guardian of a child is due to an unforeseen and urgent event. The person you would like to nominate as a guardian (your “nominee”) must understand the urgent need for action and the abrupt change in life for your child if something were to happen to you. Your nominee should be easy to locate and contact, it is important to keep all your nominee’s contact information updated and readily available. Your nominee should be aware of the nomination and keep the documentation reflecting their nomination close at hand to ensure swift action. Think of who can adapt and take on the additional emergency responsibility of your child’s best interest at heart.
What do you want for your child’s future?
You may have an ideal road map of your child’s future or you may have specific moral or religious considerations; not everyone has the same ideas and opinions. Ensure your nominee understands how you want your child to be raised. You should discuss things such as morals, religious beliefs, rules, educational goals or viewpoints, and overall child-rearing views. Once your guardian nominee understands and appreciates your wishes and desires, you will find some comfort in knowing your child will be brought up how you would want even if you are not here.
What is the level of health and financial responsibility of your potential guardian choice?
You should also consider the health, age, and finances of your nominee. If your parents are well into their older years you must consider their ability to keep up with your children. Your parents are just an example, no matter who you are thinking of appointing, you still need to consider their health and age. Your legal guardian should be able to be around until your child is at least 18, or older, to ensure the most stable future. In addition, when leaving your child with a guardian you should have a financial plan put in place for them. However, you should still ensure that your guardian will have the ability to support your child and maintain your child’s finances until they are able to do so on their own.
If you are ready to take the next step and nominate your child’s guardian, give Handelin Law a call at 775.882.8032 to get started or schedule a consultation.
