If you have had any estate planning discussions, you have likely heard the words “guardian” and “trustee.” Although there is no substitute for you as a parent, a guardian is someone who steps in when you pass away to assume your parental role and raise your minor child. Deciding who will be tasked with caring for your minor child is an important decision that requires consideration of many factors.
When choosing a guardian, the top consideration is who will love and raise your child like you would. Keep in mind the potential guardian’s religious beliefs, parenting style, interest in extracurricular activities, energy level, and whether they have children. You may want to consider where the individual lives and whether they have the capacity to provide daily love, care, and support for your child.
Next week I’ll discuss choosing a trustee.
