For a lot of people with children, there is the concern of what might happen to them in the event of their death, or for any reason are unable to look after their children. It can be difficult, but you may want to put yourself forward, or someone may ask you to do this.
It is recommended that when someone makes their will (and they have children under the age of 18) that they appoint a potential legal guardian. Essentially it is up to them- they can choose whoever they want in order to look after their children.
Looking after your children can apply to living with them and looking after them, in the sense of doing the duties of a parent. Equally, you may want someone who looks after them in a financial sense, providing money in order to help support the children as they grow up.
What this means is that you can appoint more than one guardian if you wish, with someone taking on the day to day duties of looking after your children and another providing financially.
Factors
If you have been asked to become a legal guardian, there are a few factors you should think about before taking on the role. For example, you should consider whether or not your current living situation is appropriate. While you may want to look after a friend’s children, if there are three of different ages and you live on your own in a flat this may not be appropriate.
Of course, it is also important to consider the financial aspect of this request- will you be able to have the money in order to look after children? If you feel that you are not able to do this, then you should let someone know so that someone else can be appointed.
Get it in writing
If someone wants you to be their guardian, then it is best to go over what will be expected of you. They should offer guidance in terms of the child’s health, education, religious guidance and so forth. It is also worth talking with someone who wants you to be a legal guardian so that you can be sure that you would be comfortable with looking after their children in the way that they would want.
Having something in writing can make it easier to know what they want and give you something to consider before making a final decision.
Talk to us
If someone has asked you to be a guardian and you have any concerns (or you are looking to appoint a guardian), please talk to us today so that we can go over what you will be expected to do in terms of parental responsibility as well as the legal issues of appointing guardianship.
We believe in offering both specialist representation and the resources they need, as well as the customer service needed to help guide you through the legal process. For more information or to discuss your legal issues regarding guardianship, please contact us today.