Clients often contact me because they have one goal: legally documenting their choice of guardians for their minor children. The number one question I am asked is how to do that. The answer is simple! The names of the guardians you choose are placed in the will. That’s it. The guardians are generally given broad powers to step into the shoes of the parent. There is no guardian manual. No directives on how you wish the guardians to raise your children. No legacy left to your children besides the money you leave in your estate. It doesn’t have to be this way!
THINGS YOUR WILL CANNOT DO FOR YOU:
* Name temporary guardians/ caregivers in an emergency
* Provide notification to EMS, FIRE or POLICE that you have Family First Responders
*Prevent your children from being placed in the custody of Child Protective Services
* Provide medical authorization or HIPAA releases for temporary caregivers
*Name temporary guardians/caregivers while on vacation
* Establish contingency plan if you do not return from travel while children are with a caregiver
*Directly exclude a family member from the ability to act as a guardian to your children
THINGS YOUR WILL CANNOT DO FOR YOU:
* Name temporary guardians/ caregivers in an emergency
* Provide notification to EMS, FIRE or POLICE that you have Family First Responders
*Prevent your children from being placed in the custody of Child Protective Services
* Provide medical authorization or HIPAA releases for temporary caregivers
*Name temporary guardians/caregivers while on vacation
* Establish contingency plan if you do not return from travel while children are with a caregiver
*Directly exclude a family member from the ability to act as a guardian to your children
