Why all Parents should make a Will
When discussing wills with parents, they often say “I haven’t got much to leave”, however they have missed the point that their children are the most important thing they could ever leave. One of the biggest powers within a will is the ability to assigning guardianship of your children.
If the parents of a child die without a will, the decision of guardianship will in all likelihood fall to Social Services. This is surely a situation no parent would desire, this isn’t to say they would pick a wholly unsuitable relation to be guardian/s, but the point is that you as parents do not get a say.
What should the ideal guardian be?
Willing
It is vital to ensuring the would-be guardians are truly willing and able to take in the children and raise them as their own? If they cannot spare the time or really put their heart into the role you should question whether they are the correct people to pick.
Young enough to raise children
Sure grandparents love looking after their grandkids for the day, but once they have left for the day this is normally followed by a thumping headache and an early night for the aging couple. Could they really keep it up all day, everyday?
Local
The distress of losing parents is enough to destroy a child’s state of mind without then having to uproot and move to another part of the country away from everything and everyone they know.
Of a similar religious belief
If the parents have particular religious beliefs then finding a guardian who would also instil the same values into their children could be the overriding issue.
Other Considerations
Appointing a couple?
What if you have appointed a relative and their spouse as guardians for your children and they split up after you die. Both would have equal rights over your children creating what is potentially a very messy situation. It may therefore be more prudent to appoint your relative as the sole guardian – the spouse would still be there to support them but you know for sure who has the overriding power and responsibility.
Cost
Children are not cheap to maintain, as you know! Are your guardians wealthy enough to support their upbringing? If not, it is a real possibility that the children will not have an inheritance left if has to be used to fund their childhood. The best solution is to take out a life policy today which will leave a lump sum which to support their upbringing and leave the inheritance untouched.
For further guidance on guardianship and life protection, please call me on 01905 695450.