If you have a minor child, it’s crucial to choose a guardian for them – someone who will take care of them if you become incapacitated or die before your child becomes an adult. Naming a guardian can give you peace of mind. But who should you choose?
The following are three qualities to consider in a guardian.
Shared values
It can be beneficial to choose someone who shares your values concerning parenting skills, educational philosophies, moral and religious beliefs and social values. Doing this can help your child settle into their new home without difficulties. It can be confusing for them to move into a house with totally different values.
Thus, assess the lives of your potential parties. You can have meetings with them and ask questions about their views on moral beliefs, religion, discipline, education, parenting style, community involvement and social justice. Choose someone whose answers align with your values because they are most likely to raise your child as you would have.
Financial stability
Even though you will set aside assets for your child, it’s vital to choose a financially stable guardian since raising a child often involves unexpected expenses. You don’t want to cause a loved one to experience economic burdens. Besides, your chosen guardian might need to take care of some expenses out of pocket before they can access the money left for your child in your estate plan.
Existing relationship with your child
Your child may easily get comfortable in their new home when they have an existing relationship with the guardian. Thus, consider naming someone you’ve observed having positive interactions with your child.
The above-discussed qualities are a few examples of what to consider when naming a guardian for your minor child. After choosing one, you can seek legal guidance to get more information on how to formalize your decision.
