{"id":351865,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:38","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/guardianship\/ten-things-to-think-about-choosing-a-guardian-for-your-child.html"},"modified":"2025-02-21T14:48:00","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T19:48:00","slug":"ten-things-to-think-about-choosing-a-guardian-for-your-child","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/guardianship\/ten-things-to-think-about-choosing-a-guardian-for-your-child.html","title":{"rendered":"Ten Things To Think About: Choosing a Testamentary Guardian for Your Child"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ten Things To Think About: Choosing a Testamentary Guardian for Your Child<\/h1>\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Choosing a testamentary guardian for your child ensures they are cared for by someone you trust if you die. This guardian will make decisions regarding your child\u2019s healthcare, education, finances, and welfare. Naming a guardian prevents the court from placing your child with someone you might not have chosen.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Having children adds a new and vital dimension to estate planning<\/a>. If the child’s legal parents die or become incapacitated and never made arrangements, the child could be placed with a new family. This is a disruptive process for the child, even if the placement is with a grandparent<\/a> or extended family. You can avoid this disruption if you choose a legal guardian for your child in your last will. <\/p>\n

The guardian you choose will take care of your children. They will make healthcare decisions, choose an appropriate school district, and more.<\/p>\n

This article discusses the importance of choosing a legal guardian for your child as part of your estate planning. It also shares 10 key factors to consider when selecting a guardian.<\/p>\n

Why Choose a Guardian During Estate Planning?<\/h2>\n

Many parents, especially new parents, may have concerns about what will happen to their children<\/a> if they die or become incapacitated. They might have specific religious beliefs, parenting styles, or a child with special needs. They may want their child educated in a particular school district. A surviving parent may become incapacitated.<\/p>\n

If parents die without having a named guardian, a probate court<\/a> will appoint a guardian. Their child will not be guaranteed to be raised and educated in the way they want. The court will first look to:<\/p>\n