If you are a parent with a young child, you’ll want an estate plan which names a guardian to take over your parenting duties should the unthinkable happen. While naming any guardian is a good first step, choosing the right guardian should be at the forefront of your mind during this process. Here are several tips you can use to select the guardian that will be right for your children.
Tip 1. Finances are a Factor, but a Good Home is Essential
A good guardian should be able to serve the role as parents, role model, provider, and teacher. Your guardian selection must be able to nurture your child in a loving home environment, though that doesn’t necessarily mean the person has to have a large home or large bank account. You can provide for your children’s financial needs separately, but your guardian choice needs to be able to provide your child with a loving home.
Tip 2. Matching Values
A good guardian should be able to teach your child about the values you want to share. While it isn’t necessary that the guardian share all the same political beliefs or have the same religious background, your guardian must be able to raise a child with the same kind of educational, social, child-rearing, moral, and ethical principles that you believe in.
Tip 3. Child–Guardian Interaction
Some people are better with young children than they are with teens, while older children may require a guardian who is able to handle adolescence. A good guardian will not only get along with your child and provide a loving home, but will also be able to handle the child’s individual needs at different ages.
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