Parenting is hard. With all of the love and joy children bring, they also bring sleepless night, stress, and heartache. Maryland parents do their best to provide their kids with comfortable, safe lives, but sometimes parents are not able to be present until their children reach adulthood. When accidents or unexpected events occur, children can be placed with guardians identified in legal documents like wills.
Picking a guardian is also hard. There are many things to consider before deciding on an individual who may, if the unthinkable happens, raise a person’s child in their absence. When concerns and questions about child guardians arise, it is important that individuals have conversations with their trusted estate planning attorneys.
Where to start
Some individuals may begin with a list of possible guardian options when trying to decide who should fill the role. Some important considerations to evaluate when reviewing one’s list may include:
- The age and health of the prospective guardian
- The relationship between the child and the prospective guardian
- Whether the guardian will be able to manage the financial aspects of caring for the child
- Whether the guardian has the same values as the child’s parents
A guardian does not have to be a married person, nor someone who lives near the child. Working through possible guardians is tough and can be emotionally draining.
Getting help when facing challenges
Being a parent can be the best and hardest job in the world. Though some days may be tough, no parent wants to think about the possibility that they may not be there to see their child into adulthood. Picking a suitable and appropriate guardian is important and can be part of the estate planning process. Legal advisors can be invaluable when it comes to understanding and recognizing the best possible qualities of prospective child guardians.
