Questions to Ask Yourself About Choosing a Legal Guardian

Choosing a Legal Guardian can be difficult, and no one wants to think about the possibility that they won't be able to care for their children someday, but part of planning for the future is making tough decisions for those that depend on you most.

Sure, you may be waiting until you're positive of the “perfect” guardian to name in your will, but the reality is that you'll never find a perfect caretaker – or one that can replace you.

Choosing a Legal Guardian

That said, when you're considering possible guardians, you should ask these questions:

• Has this person (or people) cared for children in the past?

• What is this person’s parenting style? Is he or she laid back, strict, loving, stern or serious?

• What is the religious background of the person you’re considering? Does it match your own? Is this person willing to raise your children under your core belief system?

• Does this person have the economic resources to care for your children? Does he or she have a stable career?

• Where does this person live? If it’s not near you, you’ll need to consider the ramifications of changing schools and friends during an already difficult time for your kids.

• Does your child or children already have a relationship with this person? Do they like him or her? Do they get along with his or her children (if applicable)?

• What is this person’s marital or relationship status? Would the home be stable for your kids?

• Would this person support relationships with your extended family, like aunts, uncles and grandparents? Do they live in a place where seeing family members would be difficult?

Of course these are just some questions to get you started; choosing a legal guardian for your kids is a difficult process and you’ll need to listen to your heart – and your kids. While no one wants to think about living without their kids, preparing for the future requires us to ask the tough questions.