You should designate a legal guardian for your minor children in your last will and testament in case you, let it be forbid, pass away while they are still of minor age. The last thing you may want is to have your minor children go to an estranged family member they are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with; or even worse, end up in foster care or a group home. But it may take more than simply naming a guardian. That is, it may be best to leave the guardian with a list of guidelines they can reference. Read on to discover what to instruct the designated guardian of your minor children and how a seasoned Putnam County wills attorney at the Law Offices of Andres D. Gil, PLLC can help you execute these directives.
What should I instruct the designated guardian of my minor children?
In short, you should instruct the designated guardian to give your minor children the same upbringing you would have done or wanted for them if you were still around yourself. More specifically, you may set out the following instructions within the terms and conditions of your last will and testament:
- The values and morals you wish your minor children to learn.
- The kind of education you expect your minor children to receive.
- The kind of diet and nutrition you desire your minor children to follow.
- The type of religious beliefs you hope your minor children to observe.
- The types of cultural traditions you wish your minor children to practice.
- The sort of medical care you expect your minor children to be administered.
- The parenting style and overall lifestyle you desire your minor children to benefit from.
Why should I appoint an alternate guardian for my minor children?
When you initially speak with a prospective guardian for your minor children, they may be completely on board with taking on this serious responsibility and abiding by your strict list of instructions. However, circumstances may ensue in which they are no longer able or willing to fulfill this duty. For this reason alone, it is almost always recommended to appoint an alternate guardian within your last will and testament. Without further ado, below are specific examples in which an alternate guardian may need to step up:
- Your original guardian may sadly pass on when your children are still of a minor age.
- Your original guardian may become incapacitated when your children are still of a minor age.
- Your original guardian may move out of state and not want to uproot your minor children.
- Your original guardian may no longer have the time or resources to support your minor children.
- Your original guardian may no longer agree with the morals and values you set forth and resign.
At any rate, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a competent Putnam County estate planning attorney. We, at the Law Offices of Andres D. Gil, PLLC, look forward to your phone call.