There is a big difference between choosing any guardian and choosing the right guardian. When creating an estate plan, this may be something that weighs on your mind. Although it’s a tough decision to make, you can only put it off for so long.
Even if you think you know who makes the most sense, you still want to consider all your options before formalizing your decision. Here are a few steps to take when choosing a guardian for your children:
- List your options: Make a short list of the many people you think would make a good guardian.
- Know your values: The values that are most important to you are the ones you should look for in a guardian.
- Ask permission: Naming someone as the guardian of your children is a big deal. You hope they never have to take over in raising your children, but it’s possible. You should always ask for permission before finalizing the decision.
- Make it official: It’s not good enough to tell a person that they’re the guardian of your children. You need to make it official, which means including it in your will.
You’re sure to run into challenges when creating an estate plan. Naming a guardian is often a sticking point, especially if you and your spouse have different ideas as to who makes the most sense.
By following these steps, while also understanding the responsibilities of a guardian, you should be able to make an informed decision. It’s a big part of your will, so don’t hesitate to take action as quickly as possible.
