As we embrace the New Year with optimism and resolutions for a better future, make a top priority for the well-being of your minor children or grandchildren – a Kids Protection Plan. Even if legal guardians are already designated, many people, including lawyers, often make one of six common mistakes in the selection process. If you or your family haven’t named guardians yet, consider making it a New Year’s resolution to do so before the end of the month.
Thinking about a future without being there for your loved ones is tough, but having a plan ensures that the little ones you care about stay with familiar and trusted people if you can’t be there due to incapacity or death. Without taking action, the decisions about their care might be left to chance or a family court judge at the time of any unforeseen events.
This isn’t just another task for your to-do list; it’s a comforting hug of security for the little ones you cherish. Wondering why this should be your top resolution in 2024? Read on to discover why.
Unforeseen Circumstances Can Leave Your Kids In the Care of Strangers (or Worse)
Imagine a scenario worse than your kids ending up with strangers if something happens to you. Picture them in the care of that one person you wouldn’t trust to make decisions about their education, health, or finances. If you’re fortunate enough not to have someone like that in your life, count yourself lucky!
And, you still want to choose who makes the most important decisions for your kids, if you can’t, right?
Imagine your kids at home with a babysitter, and you don’t make it home. Your babysitter waits, and frets, but doesn’t know what to do.
S/he has no choice but to call the authorities because you didn’t leave any instructions otherwise. The authorities arrive and they have no choice but to take your kids into the care of strangers, even if you’ve already named legal guardians in your Will.
They probably don’t know where your Will is located. And, if they can find it quickly, they may not know how to get in touch with the people you’ve named. Or, the people you’ve named all live hours or even days away.
Finally, because your Will must go through the court process to be operative, the authorities can put your kids in the care of people who may be strangers to your kids – or even someone you wouldn’t want – while they wait for the Court process to play out.
But, not to worry, we do have a solution! It’s called a Kids Protection Plan, and it will solve each of these problems plus ensure your children are never in the care of anyone you wouldn’t want.
A Kids Protection Plan Lets You Pick Who Cares for Your Kids – Not a Judge
Is there someone you’d absolutely never want to be responsible for raising your kids? Even if you’ve already chosen Permanent Legal Guardians, it’s ultimately a judge’s call on who gets official long-term custody. If this person is a family member, the judge might pick them as the permanent guardian, ignoring your nomination. It might sound crazy, but that’s how the system operates.
Our thorough Kids Protection Plan discreetly leaves out anyone you wouldn’t want raising your kids. We’ve crafted it to make it highly unlikely that someone undesirable would even attempt to take custody or care of your children. This confidential document ensures that your kids are always kept away from anyone you wouldn’t want making decisions for them.
You Have Unique Desires for Your Kids’ Education, Healthcare, and Financial Well-Being
You invest a lot of time planning your kids’ activities, care, and birthday parties. Undoubtedly, you have specific preferences for their education, healthcare, and financial well-being. A Kids Protection Plan lets you express these wishes, offering guidance to your kids’ Legal Guardians and providing your children with the assurance of a consistent routine.
Plus, providing clear instructions to potential guardians ensures your children’s upbringing aligns with your values and aspirations. This process not only secures their future but also provides you with clarity about your parenting priorities.
Comprehensive Protection for the Ones You Love Most
Naming permanent legal guardians is crucial, but it might not cover all scenarios. A complete Kids Protection Plan takes a comprehensive approach, dealing with the challenges of leaving your kids with caregivers, excluding undesired individuals from guardianship, and specifying your unique wishes for their well-being. This thorough plan guarantees that your children stay with trustworthy individuals who comprehend and honor your values.
If you’re ready to make creating a Kids Protection Plan your most significant New Year’s resolution, the first step is to schedule your Life & Legacy Planning Session. During the Session, we’ll guide you through our unique, heart-centered process to tailor a plan that reflects your wishes, secures your family’s future, and includes a Kids Protection Plan.
And unlike other resolutions that may be hard to stick to, we’re here to guide and support you through every step to ensure your Kids Protection Plan offers the best protection for the people you love – both now and for years to come.
At Cheever Law, APC, we don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love, starting with a valuable and educational Life & Legacy Planning Session. This will allow you to get more financially organized and make the best choices for the people you love. If you have already completed your estate plan, we will review that plan at your Life & Legacy Planning Session to ensure that it will work the way you intend and address any holes or gaps that may be present if circumstances have changed since you executed your plan.
To learn more about our one-of-a-kind systems and services, contact us or schedule a no-obligation 15-minute introductory phone call today.