Designating a Guardian for Your Minor Children

The thought of not being there to raise your children is a daunting prospect for any parent. Thankfully, with careful planning, you can ensure that if the unimaginable happens, your children will be protected and provided for. At Wilson & Wilson Estate Planning and Elder Law LLC, we understand the weight of this decision and are here to guide you through the process of appointing a personal guardian—a trusted individual who will step in to raise your children in the rare event that you are unable to do so.

It’s crucial to name a primary and an alternate guardian for your children, to be prepared for any possibility. While it's permissible to appoint multiple guardians, it's usually more practical to choose one guardian or a committed couple to avoid potential conflicts. When considering who would fill this role best, ask yourself the following:

• Is the candidate legally an adult and mature enough for the responsibility?
• Do they genuinely care about the welfare of your children?
• Are they physically capable of caring for children?
• Can they commit the necessary time to raise your children?
• Do their children and yours get along well, if they have any?
• Will they be financially capable of supporting your children, with or without your assets?
• Do they share your values and parenting philosophy?
• Would your children need to relocate to live with the guardian?

We encourage open dialog with potential guardians—sometimes a conversation can reveal unexpected willingness or reluctance that could inform your choice.

In most cases, parents prefer their children remain together under a unified guardianship. However, if circumstances such as disparate ages or unique relationships with other adults warrant separate considerations, appointing different guardians for each child might be in their best interests. Flexibility in guardianship ensures that each child's needs are met by the person best equipped to provide for them.

Some families decide to separate care and financial responsibilities, choosing one person to raise the children and another to oversee financial assets. This can be prudent when the best caregiver might not be the individual best qualified to manage financial affairs. Provided there’s mutual respect and agreement between the two parties, this arrangement can serve the dual needs of emotional and financial stability for your children.

For the sake of clarity and unity, it’s essential that co-parents agree on a preferred guardian. Discord between parents' wills might lead to legal disputes, obligating a judge to determine the child’s welfare based on their judgment. Wilson & Wilson Estate Planning and Elder Law LLC can assist in mediating these delicate conversations to reach a consensus that reflects both parents' wishes.

Should you anticipate any uncertainty regarding your choice of guardian, a thoughtful letter outlining your reasoning can prove instrumental. Judges are duty-bound to prioritize the child's interests, and your perspective will provide insight into considerations such as:

• The child’s own preferences, if ascertainable
• The potential guardian’s ability to provide stability and continuity
• How well the candidate can meet the child's unique needs
• The nature of the child's relationship with the possible guardian
• The moral character of the proposed guardian

For personalized assistance with appointing a guardian or managing complex family dynamics, Wilson & Wilson Estate Planning and Elder Law LLC stands ready to offer compassionate and professional advice. Call us at (708) 482-7090 for a consultation, and let us help secure the future of your children with the care and foresight they deserve.