No one likes to think about a time when they may no longer be around for their children. In an ideal world, parents don’t pass away until they are in their elder years, their children have grown, and they are able to enjoy their own grandchildren and maybe even great grandchildren. Unfortunately, the ideal doesn’t always happen. In fact, it’s important for all parents to prepare for the worst and select a legal guardian who would take their place if something should happen to them while their children are still minors. The following tips can help you choose the right person for the job.

Consider Your Values

Every parent has certain values they wish to instill in their children. If something were to happen to them, they would want people with the same or similar values to raise their children in their stead. As you look through your options to take on guardianship of their children, consider how they handle issues and what values they have for their own families. This will give you peace of mind your children will be raised the way you want them to be, even if you can’t do it yourself.

How Do They Fit In

Another important element you need to consider as you look for a legal guardian for your children is whether your children will fit into the family well. For instance, if you’re considering some of your own siblings, but they already have a number of children of their own, they may have difficulty finding the time and resources to care for your children the way you want. However, the number of current family members shouldn’t be the only consideration. Does the family have musical inclinations? Do they prefer to be active in sports or the outdoors? It’s important to choose guardians that will encourage your children to continue doing the things they love to help them move on.

Is Religion an Issue?

Some families are determined to raise their children in a particular religion. If something happens to you, you want this training to continue. Therefore, if religion is important to the upbringing of your children, you need to choose a guardian who will respect your wishes and continue. It’s also much easier if you choose someone who already practices this religion themselves, so they can better guide your children along the path you want.

Age Is a Factor

For some people, choosing your parents may seem like a logical choice. After all, they raised you and you are likely raising your children along a similar path. However, they may not be a logical choice because they are in their later years and may have medical issues that make it difficult for them to care for a younger child if something happens to you. Instead, it’s often best to choose someone who is young and healthy whom you are close to.

Financial Responsibility

One of the biggest parts of becoming a legal guardian to someone else’s children is the financial responsibility. While you may have a life insurance policy or other means to provide for your child, even after you’re gone, you need to consider the financial stability of anyone you are considering as a guardian. Do they have the means to support the kind of lifestyle you want for your child? Are they responsible with their money? Trust is an important aspect because you will be putting them in charge of not only raising your children, but managing their money.

Location

If something happens to you, your children will go through a lot of changes in their lives. Changing schools or moving away from the family and friends they know can create additional turmoil for them. In most cases, it’s important to choose guardians who live nearby or who may be willing to relocate themselves for the sake of your children. However, if you must choose someone who lives far away, be sure it’s somewhere your child will feel comfortable to ease the transition.

 

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