As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your children, even after you’re gone. This includes planning for their future in the event that something happens to you. One important aspect of this planning is guardianship. If you have questions or concerns about this, contact Regina or me here at the Slaton Schauer Law Firm, PLLC online or via phone at (512) 258-9455. We’re here to help! With that in mind, let’s have a quick discussion of general principles of guardianship:

To start with, what is a guardianship? To attorneys, guardianship is the legal process of appointing a guardian to take care of someone– for example, appointing someone to care for your children if you were unable to do so. This can happen in a number of situations, including if you pass away or become incapacitated due to illness or injury. By planning for guardianship, you can ensure that your children are taken care of in the way you would want and that their best interests are protected.

Here are some things to consider when planning for guardianship:

1. Choosing a guardian: The first step in planning for guardianship is choosing a guardian who will be responsible for your children’s care. This should be someone who you trust and who shares your values and beliefs. It’s important to have an open and honest conversation with the potential guardian to ensure that they’re willing and able to take on this responsibility.
2. Creating a will: A will is a legal document that allows you to specify who you want to be the guardian of your children if something were to happen to you. This is especially important if you’re a single parent, as there may be no other legal parent who can assume guardianship.
3. Providing instructions for your children’s care: In addition to appointing a guardian, it’s important to provide instructions for your children’s care. This may include information about their medical needs, education, and religious beliefs. This can help ensure that your children are cared for in the way you would want and that their best interests are protected.
4. Reviewing and updating your plan: It’s important to review and update your guardianship plan periodically, especially if your circumstances change. This can help ensure that your plan reflects your current wishes and that your children are taken care of in the way you would want.

In conclusion, guardianship is an important aspect of planning for the future of your children. By choosing a guardian, creating a will, providing instructions for your children’s care, and reviewing and updating your plan, you can ensure that your children are taken care of in the way you would want if something were to happen to you. If you need help with guardianship planning, be sure to work with an experienced estate planning attorney who can help you create a plan that meets your specific needs and goals.