The Must-Have Estate Plan Component for Parents of Minor Children

When it comes to estate planning, most people immediately think about wills or trusts. But if you are a parent of minor children, there is one critical component you absolutely must have: legal guardianship nominations.

Imagine this: something unexpected happens, and you’re no longer able to care for your children. Without clear legal instructions, a judge—who doesn’t know your family, your values, or your wishes—will decide who raises your children. Even if your family agrees on who should step in, without official documentation, custody can be delayed or disputed, and your children could end up in temporary foster care.

Guardianship nominations allow you to name the person (or people) you trust most to raise your children in your absence. It's a simple but powerful way to ensure your children are cared for by the right people, in the way you would want.

A strong guardianship plan doesn’t just name a permanent guardian. It should also include:

• Short-term guardians: These are people who can immediately care for your children in an emergency while longer-term arrangements are made.
  
• Instructions to guide your guardians: What are your hopes, values, and goals for your children’s upbringing? Sharing this helps your guardians honor your wishes.
  
• Exclusion of individuals: If there is someone you absolutely do not want raising your children, you can legally document that too.
  
  

If you have minor children and don't yet have a guardianship nomination in place—or if you created one years ago and your circumstances have changed—this is a crucial first step to truly protecting your family. It’s about giving yourself peace of mind today and safeguarding your children's future tomorrow.

Remember: estate planning isn't just about what happens to your things—it's about what happens to the people you love most.