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Who Will Love the Children?
Why It's Important to Name a Guardian for Your Kids By Lisamarie Sanders
You would do anything to protect your child, but what if you were unable to? Although the vast majority of parents will live to know their children as adults and even enjoy their children's children the possibility remains that you may not. That's why it is vital to name a guardian for your minor children.
"Most people think that the older you get the more important a will is," says Scott Lavin, Esq., trust and estate and tax attorney with Barton, Barton, and Plotkin, LLP, in New York City. "This is false. As soon as you have children, it is your responsibility to get a will."
Charlene Clark, the daughter of a probate attorney in Clermont, N.J., agrees. "After having our baby, my husband and I left the hospital and went directly to our lawyer's office to make a will." She knew that if she didn't choose a guardian, the courts would choose for her.
"Often a court will decide based on volunteers who don't know the parents or child, and who may not have the same values, qualities or beliefs as you," Levin explains.
For many, choosing a guardian is a difficult task. It can be very emotional and uncomfortable. Lisa Peters of Manassas, Va., put into words what many parents feel. "There's no one who could love my child as much as I do, and I really don't trust anyone else to raise them."
But Dr. Charles I. Shubin, director of children's health at Mercy FamilyCare in Baltimore, Md., says, "Even if there's no one perfect for the job, you still have to choose." He adds that parents must be mature and responsible enough to overcome their discomfort and do what's best for their children. "If you care enough about your kids, you'll be willing to deal with whatever problems may arise."
Next create a list of all the people who you might consider as a guardian. At this point, don't talk yourself out of any candidates. When you have completed this step, compare your list with the listing of your child's needs. This may shorten your list a bit. For example, if your child has a physical or emotional disorder that requires consistent medical care, moving him across the country to live with Aunt Maggie may be impossible.