How old are your children? Older and more mature children should be allowed to have some input in the process.
Is the guardian willing and able to serve? Can the guardian meet the demands of raising additional children? More importantly, is the guardian willing to serve? Potential guardians should be consulted to determine the answers to both questions.
What is the guardian’s religion? What is guardian’s child-rearing philosophy? Religion is of primary importance for some parents. For other parents, the child-rearing philosophy is more important. Ideally, the guardian will share your values in these areas.
Consider the guardian’s family. Should the guardian be single or married? Should the guardian have children or be childless? There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, but you should consider your preferences carefully.
Your estate plan should ensure the material well-being of both your children and the guardian you have chosen. Of course, your trustee will need to support your children’s health, living expenses, and education. However, you may also consider providing funding for the guardian’s additional expenses, such as the need for a larger residence or daycare providers.
Knowing that you have the best possible guardianship plan in place if the unthinkable ever happens to you or your spouse is one of the many ways that planning in advance provides you with peace of mind. Contact your estate planning attorney to ensure that your plan is up to date.