
You may expect to see your children through the many stages of their lives, well into their adult years. Though idyllic, it is not safe to assume such things. Unfortunately, we never know when our last day is, and it could very much be on a day when your children are still considered minors. This is why, in your last will and testament, you should designate a guardian who can step in and raise your children through the rest of their childhood and adolescent years. For more on this, please continue reading to learn the importance of naming a guardian and how an experienced New York City wills attorney at Zimmet Law Group, P.C. can help you execute this.
Why is it important to name a guardian in my will?
While naming a guardian is not a mandatory component of your last will and testament, it is strongly encouraged to cover this topic within its terms and conditions. This is especially true if your children are still younger than 18 years old at the time you write up this estate planning document.
Essentially, naming a guardian may allow you to maintain control over your minor children’s upbringing at a time when you cannot handle it yourself. That is, you may list instructions on how your appointed guardian is to facilitate your children’s medical care, educational plans, religious practices, cultural traditions, and more. All the while, you may rest easier knowing that this designated individual already shares your same morals, ethics, family values, parenting styles, and more.
Establishing this in an official legal document may prevent interference from other family members who assume they know what is better for your children. Ultimately, this may make the difficult transition for your children slightly easier to cope with.
What should I include when naming a guardian in my will?
Of note, it may also be worth naming an alternate guardian for your minor children. This is in the unlikely event that your original guardian no longer feels capable of taking on this serious responsibility. This may be if they move out of the state or no longer have the time or financial resources to provide for your children, as a couple of examples. Or, if they unfortunately pass on before your minor children reach adult ages.
But in addition to naming a guardian and alternate guardian over your children’s persons, you may want to appoint a guardian over your children’s properties. This specific guardian may be authorized to protect and manage your minor children’s inherited money, real properties, and other assets until they reach adult ages. It may be better to divvy up these guardianships to then split up these obligations.
At any rate, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a skilled New York City estate planning attorney today. We, at Zimmet Law Group, P.C., look forward to your phone call.