Mistake #5 :If you name couples to serve as guardians in your estate plan, you must be very specific. Here is why:
June 19, 2024
Mistake #7: Not Having Instructions for the Babysitter
June 20, 2024
In the event of the unsaid happens, how much does your possible first choice of a guardian know about your kids? Does the guardian know that your youngest one needs a light on all night long or he won’t sleep? Does the guardian know that your first one will not eat bananas without feeling sick after? Is any of the kids allergic to something uncommon that no one knows because you always keep it under control? Do they know that the middle one plans to be the next Picasso and that you support it?
The Sixth common mistake parents make when Naming Guardians for their Children is Not Leaving written, detailed instructions for guardians. As much as we want to believe our chosen guardians know everything about our kids, this may not be so true. Plus, do they know in detail how you want them raised. Do they know in detail what you would allow as a path for their future?
What if one of your kids wants to be a musician? Would you support her, or would you force her to go to college? Will your guardian make the same decision and support her in the same way you would? What about religious upbringing? Will your guardian respect your choices for them if they believe differently?
There is so much about your kids that live inside your home in complete privacy. You want your guardians to be able to care, protect, and know what to do without having to guess or stress the kids through hoops you would not like them to have to jump through?
This is a living document. That means, you will update and it will grow as the kids grow and their interests grow and change, and your mind-set and goals grow and change as well.
We work with you to make sure all those important details are passed down.
Remember, estate planning is not just about a Will, it entails all the protections your family may need. Think ahead, plan and make sure you protect them in the right way. Enjoy your peace of mind knowing they are protected.
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THIS POST IS PART OF A SERIES: Ten Top Mistakes Families with Children make in Most Estate Plans. Mistake #1: Not Having Written Instructions. Mistake #2: Not Naming Guardians for the Short Term Mistake #3: Not Naming Alternate Guardians Mistake #4: If Naming couples as guardians, be very careful naming alternates Mistake #5: Naming Couples without specifying if one of them can be the alternate.
