Choosing a Guardian for Minor Children | Santa Barbara Estate Planning and Elder Law
If something terrible happened to you and your spouse, what would become of your children? It’s not something anyone wants to think about, but think about it we must. By naming a guardian for your minor children, you can help ensure they will be raised according to your wishes. The question is, how do you choose the proper guardian? Here are several factors to consider.
If you still are not sure how to choose a guardian, give Santa Barbara Estate Planning and Elder Law a call to set up a consultation today by filling out a contact form at https://www.sbelderlaw.com/contact-us or giving us a call (805)946-1550.
The ability and willingness of the guardian to serve. Will the prospective guardian be able to meet the physical and economic demands of raising a child? Even more important, is the prospective guardian willing to serve in the first place? The last thing you want to do is name a guardian before speaking at length with the person you have in mind.
Values. Ideally, the prospective guardian will share your child-rearing philosophy, values, views on education, religious beliefs, and other fundamental principles.
Geography. If the prospective guardian lives in another state, moving there might be too drastic a change for your child, particularly an older child.
The guardian’s family. If the potential guardian has children of his or her own, would your child get along with them? And would the guardian be able to give your child enough attention in a busy household?
The age of your children. If your children are older and relatively mature, you may want to seek their input before naming a guardian.
Through proper planning, you can ensure your children will be raised according to your wishes in the event you cannot raise them yourself. If you would like to discuss this part of your estate plan, please give us a call at (805)946-1550.
Author Bio
Julianna Malis is the Founder and Managing Partner of Santa Barbara Estate Planning & Elder Law, a Santa Barbara estate planning law firm she founded in 2014. With more than 25 years of experience practicing law, she has dedicated her career to representing clients in a wide range of legal matters, including estate planning, elder law, Medicaid and Medicare planning, probate, and other estate planning areas.
Julianna received her Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific — McGeorge School of Law and is a member of the California State Bar Association.
