Four Factors To Consider When Choosing A Guardian For Your Child

Drafting a will has many benefits. Most people know that a will allows you to outline how you want your property divided after you pass away. However, another benefit of writing a will is that you can name a guardian for your minor children. This is reassuring to many parents. If you unexpectedly pass away, there will be a guardian already in place who can take on a parental role and raise your child.

Designating a guardian can help streamline the probate process and ensure that disputes do not arise while also allowing you to name someone of your choice. Choosing a guardian is a deeply personal decision but can also be overwhelming. Below, our Daytona Beach minors guardianship lawyer outlines some tips that can help.

Shared Goals and Values 

Perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing a guardian is whether they share the same goals and values as you. Of course, you want to ensure that your children are raised in a happy and healthy home. If you have other goals for your children, you should ensure any guardian you are considering has the same goals. For example, if it is important to you that your children go to college, you should choose a guardian who will encourage it.

Financial Capability 

It is no secret that raising children is expensive. It is important to consider this, and whether a potential guardian could afford the costs of raising your child. For many people, the financial strain of taking on a child is too great. If a potential guardian already has children of their own, they may not be able to support your child, as well. It is important to help your loved ones avoid financial strain, while also ensuring your child is properly supported.

Similar Parenting Styles 

Lastly, a guardian should also have a similar parenting style as you. This will help ensure stability for your children during a time that is already very difficult. If you choose someone who has a vastly different parenting style, your child may feel as though there are different expectations of them, or they may find the environment very difficult to live in. Ideally, the guardian you choose will raise them in the same manner you would have raised them yourself.

Willingness 

Ideally, any of your loved ones would be happy to step in as guardian of your child. Realistically, that is not usually the case. It is important to speak to anyone you are considering choosing to determine if they are willing to take on the role. It is important for the children that guardians are not simply doing what they think is right, but that they genuinely care for the children. Do not take it personally if someone does not want to be the guardian. People have many reasons for turning down guardianship, such as if they cannot afford to raise a child.

Call Our Minors Guardianship Lawyer in Daytona Beach Today 

If you need to write a will or create other parts of your estate plan to ensure your children are cared for, our Daytona Beach minors guardianship lawyer can help. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our experienced attorney can execute the guardianship to ensure it will be enforced by the courts so you can have the peace of mind that your children are taken care of. Call us now at 386-252-5170 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0744/0744.html