Like most parents, you probably do not want to think about your child’s life without you. In the best-case scenario, you can watch your children grow up to start their own families. However, if you do not plan for an outcome where something might happen to you, your child may become stuck in lengthy, expensive legal proceedings.
Appointing a legal guardian allows you to control what happens to your child if you cannot be there.
Seek out someone you trust
Every parent wants their child to have positive influences. Your choice should be someone you can trust to uphold your values and raise your kid in your image. Most people look to close friends or family members as guardians of their children. You should choose someone who has a close relationship with the child so your child feels safe with the person.
You should have faith that your person can care for a child and will live a stable lifestyle for the sake of your child.
Think about your guardian’s future
You should always have backup guardians if something happens to your initial choice. Your chosen guardian may also go through life changes. For example, you may choose a sibling as a guardian because he or she has no kids, but 10 years from now, you cannot guarantee that it will stay the same. Likewise, if you choose your parents to be the guardian, you have to consider that they may not have the energy for small children.
Before you select a guardian for your minor child, talk to the potential guardian. Guardians need to know the responsibility asked of them ahead of time.
