Guardianship & Creating A Will

06/13/2012

Jessi Ritchie, a new mom and  lawyer from Liddell Law Office, came to talk about guardianship and creating a will to our Mommy & Baby Postnatal program this past week. She knows the complications that arise when you do not have a guardian appointed  for your minor children.  It is an important topic, and emotional, some of moms getting teary-eyed, myself included while she talked.

So who should be your child’s guardian?

This may cause some heavy discussion between you and your partner, as you may have different ideas on who would be best suited to care for your child in a worse case scenario that you both predecease before your child is 18 years of age.  You should appoint one guardian and alternative in case your first choice can’t serve.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a personal guardian:

• Does the prospective guardian have a genuine concern for your children’s welfare?
• Is the prospective guardian physically able to handle the job?
• Does he or she have the time?
• Does he or she have kids of an age close to that of your children?
• Can you provide enough assets to raise the children? If not, can your prospective guardian afford to bring them up?
• Does the prospective guardian share your moral beliefs?
• Would your children have to move?

If you’re having a hard time choosing someone, take some time to talk with the person you’re considering. One or more of your candidates may not be willing or able to accept the responsibility, or their feelings about acting as guardian may help you decide.

An especially important point made by Jessi Ritchie is to take into consideration what would be best for you child.  In saying that with whom would they want to be and feel the most comfort and happiness with? It’s not about who you would want to be the guardian, it’s who they would want to be cared by.

An experienced lawyer will know about the rules that apply to wills and can help with estate planning so as to save money for your beneficiaries. And you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your will is properly drafted and valid, and that your estate will be paid out according to your wishes.

For more information on creating a will and appointing a guardian, contact Jessi Ritchie, Liddell Law Office at 780-486-0926.