If you have children under the age of 18 you NEED a will that names a legal guardian or multiple guardians in the event of your and the other parent’s death. When you don’t name guardians in your will, you leave it up to the courts to decide who should look after your children. Whilst you may assume they will automatically grant custody to aunts, uncles or grandparents, this isn’t always the case.
When you don’t specify a legal guardian for your child in a will, you are leaving this important decision up to strangers.
How to pick guardians for your children
Many parents find it difficult to decide who they should appoint as a guardian to their child. If you are having trouble deciding, here are a few things to think about:
- Who is most able to take on the responsibility of caring for a child – emotionally, financially and physically?
- Is there a friend or family member your children feel comfortable with already?
- Whose parenting style, values, and religious beliefs most closely match your own?
- Would naming this person mean your children have to move far away, and would that create any problems?
- Does the person you’re considering have any other children? If so would your children fit in, or get lost in the shuffle?
To discuss your options and to appoint Guardians in your will, get in touch with our will writers who can help you.
The examples given in this article are intended to give guidance only.
