Would you be leaving your children stranded? Why should you appoint a Guardian in your Will?
Will You Appoint a Guardian?
A guardian acts on your behalf after your passing. They are appointed to mind your children up until the age of eighteen. It is best practice to give consent to your chosen guardian (and get them to give their consent). Finding a guardian that is a family member or a close friend can make the process easier and less stressful providing that the family member is well suited to raising your child.
Why should you appoint a guardian?
Leaving a child stranded can be damaging to them and the family. Appointing a guardian in your Will can avoid such turmoil and secure the safety that your child deserves. It is relatively common that if a guardian is not determined in a Will, family disputes arise often requiring Court intervention.
The health and wellbeing of your child is paramount and therefore it is of great benefit to them to appoint a guardian in your Will. Emotional turmoil and anxiety can have long term effects. This is why having an appointed a guardian is vital, as you can build a relationship between them and the child in case the time comes when they need to be looked after.
What to consider when appointing a guardian
There will be various questions on your mind when you come to choose a suitable candidate to care for your child. Think about asking yourself the following questions:-
- Is their home environment suitable and stable for my child?
- Are they responsible and share similar values that I’m happy for my child to grow up with?
- Will they be reliable and trustworthy enough to raise my child on a long-term basis?
The answers to the above questions will form the initial groundings of what to look for when choosing a guardian. If you require advice regarding to this issue or Will writing please do not hesitate to get in contact with one of our Will specialists.
