If you have children who are still minors, have you planned for what would happen if they were suddenly left without parents? Hopefully one of your close relatives could take them in — but you don’t want to leave it to hope.
That’s why it’s vital to name a Guardian for your children when you’re making a Will, otherwise it would be left to the courts to decide. And it’s not always such an easy decision. If you’re appointing your parents, would they be up to looking after young children full time? Do your siblings have the right lifestyle for children?
Remember, too, that the situation can change over time, so it needs to be regularly revisited. Contact us to discuss writing a Will to make sure your children will have a secure home if anything happens to you.
Factors to Consider When Appointing a Guardian
Choosing a guardian is one of the most personal decisions in your Will. Think about the values you want your children to be raised with, the potential guardian's own family commitments, their age, and whether they are financially stable enough to take on the responsibility. It is also worth having an honest conversation with the person before naming them in your Will — being appointed without prior warning can come as a shock.
You can name a backup guardian in case your first choice is unable to act when the time comes. And because circumstances change, we recommend reviewing your choice every few years alongside a general Will review. Our Will writing service covers guardian appointments as standard, and we are happy to talk through the options with you. Contact us to arrange a free initial consultation. You can also read the GOV.UK guidance on parental responsibility and guardianship for more background on how the law works.
