Establishing a Guardianship Plan for Your Child: Why It’s Essential

As a parent, you want to ensure that your child is always protected and taken care of, even if something should happen to you. One of the best ways to do this is to establish a guardianship plan for your child. This plan outlines who would care for your child, should you be unable to, and how your child's needs would be met.

While it may not be a pleasant topic to think about, it's an essential one that every parent should address. In this blog post, we'll discuss why it's important to have a guardianship plan and some tips for creating one that will give you peace of mind.

Understand the Risks of Not Having a Plan

If you pass away without a will or guardianship plan in place, your child's fate will be left solely to a court to decide. This can be a lengthy, expensive, and emotionally taxing process for everyone involved. With guardianship plan, the court is likely to appoint the guardian you choose.

Selecting a Guardian

Choosing a legal guardian for your child is a critical step in establishing a guardianship plan. This person will have the legal authority (if appointed guardian) to make decisions regarding your child's upbringing, education, and healthcare.

When selecting a legal guardian, there are many factors to consider. Think about the person's age, their relationship with your child, their other responsibilities, their financial stability, their moral values, and their parenting style. It's important to choose someone who is willing and able to provide a safe, nurturing environment for your child.

Writing a Guardianship Plan

Once you've selected a guardian for your child, it's time to put your wishes in writing. A guardianship plan typically includes instructions about how your child should be raised, what kind of education they should receive, and other relevant details, such as religious beliefs, dietary preferences, and medical needs.

You should also specify how the guardian will financially care for your child and ensure they have access to resources for their upbringing. Be sure to discuss the plan with your chosen guardian to ensure they understand your wishes and are committed to following them.

Revisiting Your Plan

It's important to revisit your guardianship plan regularly, especially if there are significant changes in your life or in the life of the chosen guardian. This might include things like a new marriage, a change in financial circumstances, or a move to a new location.

You may also want to revise your plan as your child grows and their needs evolve. Don't be afraid to make changes to your plan and update it as necessary. The goal is always to ensure your child is cared for in the way you desire, no matter what the future holds.

Establishing a guardianship plan for your child is an essential step in ensuring that they are always protected and cared for. This plan outlines who will care for your child should something happen to you, and how their needs will be met. Without a plan, your child's fate could be left up to a court to decide, and there's no guarantee that their decision will align with your wishes.

By taking the time to create a thorough guardianship plan, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child should be taken care of according to your wishes. Remember to periodically revisit your plan, too, to ensure it stays up to date with your changing life circumstances. Use a law office to ensure your plan is legally sound and official. 

With help creating or updating your guardianship plan, reach out to us at Knollmeyer Law Office.