|  Choosing
a guardian for their minor children is the stumbling block
that keeps many people from making a will. Parents should
consider the alternative. Litigation over who would be
the best guardian can be time-consuming and destructive
to family relations at a time when a child needs stability
and family support. Given the turmoil and grief that attend
a parent's death, it is essential that a guardian be available
immediately to care for the child's physical and psychological
needs.
Several considerations enter into the
decision of who would make the best guardian:
-
Does your child know and like the
person? Is he or she a person your child would choose,
if asked?
-
Does the person
share your moral and religious values? Does he or
she appreciate your views about the importance of
education and family?
-
Is the person
healthy (emotionally and physically)? Is he or she
likely to be alive when your child reaches majority?
-
What is the
person's lifestyle? Does he or she have time to raise
your child? Do you approve of his or her spouse? Would
your child get along with the guardian's children?
Is his or her home in an acceptable area? Does it
have enough room for your child?
-
Is this person
financially secure and capable of handling money?
If you are going to choose another person to act as
the trustee of the assets, do these two parties get
along?
-
Is this person
willing to act as guardian?
You may want to provide in your will
for the guardian to move into your home or give the guardian
money to expand his or her existing home. You could permit
the guardian to spend some money to raise the standard
of living of his or her children to match the standard
of living of your child. Remember that you do not have
to choose the same guardian for all of your children.
And, the best guardian might not always be a family member.
Choosing the right guardian for your
child is a difficult decision. But, as a parent, you are
the best person to make the decision: you know your child
and your options best.
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