Selecting a Guardian for Your Child's Person

Here are some of the questions to think about for any person you are considering having serve in the role of caring for your child after you pass. 

Remember:  The perfect guardian may not exist. Don’t let that stop you from choosing the best of your options!

1. Does this person have experience in raising or caring for children?

2. Does this person share your core values about life? Would he or she model these for your child?

3. Does this person share your philosophy about parenting? Does he or she take a similar approach to discipline? 

4. Does this person share your cultural and religious background so that he or she can carry on important traditions with your child?

5. Does this person have the emotional resources to take on the responsibility of raising your children? 

6. Is this person easily affectionate? Would he or she deal well with a child who is experiencing grief?

7. Is this person young and/or healthy enough that he or she would be physically up to raising a child until your child reaches 18?

8. Does your child have an emotional relationship with this person to help your child to make this transition?

9. Does this person live near you so that your child could remain in the same school and/or maintain contacts with friends?

10. Does this person have ties to both sides of the family so that the child would have regular contact with extended family on both sides?

11. Would your child support your choice? Would this selection create conflict for your families?

12. Is this person in a stable relationship that would provide your child with a two-parent home?

13. If this person is currently closer to one child than the other, can he or she avoid playing favorites?

14. Will this person be able to afford to care for your children with the resources you can leave to care for them?

Choosing a guardian for your child is not always easy.  However, planning ahead thoughtfully can save a lot of time and heartache in the case of an unexpected loss.  

Want additional information about creating a plan for your family?  Phinney Estate Law offers free community classes.  We've love to speak to your group or organization.  Click here to learn more.