Topic
Guardianship — choosing who raises your kids.
If both parents die before the kids are adults, who raises them? The single highest-stakes decision in any estate plan, and the one most people put off the longest.
The four things to know
Quick takeaways.
Always name an alternate
Life happens between the time you sign and the time it matters. Your first choice may not be available — illness, distance, age, divorce. Naming a backup is non-negotiable.
Separate the guardian from the trustee
The person who raises your kids doesn't have to be the person who manages their money. Often shouldn't be. A guardian focused on the kids + a trustee focused on the dollars is a healthy structure.
Talk to the people you're naming
Don't surprise your sister with a guardianship nomination she finds out about at your funeral. The conversation is uncomfortable; the guess at her response is worse.
The court still confirms
Even with a clear nomination, the court technically appoints. But your nomination carries strong weight unless someone formally objects with cause.
If this is you
Pick the path that matches your situation.
Ready to put this in writing?
A signed will is the foundation. Trusts and other structures build on top.