Tuesday, February 15, 2011

NEET Tips

NEET Tips answers questions posed online to the NEET website

What are some tips for selecting a Guardian for my children?

When selecting a guardian for your children, one overriding concern is to reduce the children’s stress as much as possible. With this in mind, consider a family member with a close relationship to your children so that the transition is more predictable, or a guardian that lives near your home. Consider what changes the guardian will have to make in their own lifestyle to accommodate your children. You don’t want to cause upheaval in the guardian’s household because this causes stress that might be released in unexpected ways. For instance, you should consider a guardian who has similar-aged children of their own or someone who is economically independent so that your children will not be a financial burden. Consider a guardian who shares your core beliefs, such as religious and moral values, your philosophy on education, discipline and upbringing, even your politics. It is usually best to avoid naming a couple; instead name the husband or wife so that if the couple later separates or divorces, there will not be any dispute as to who remains the legal guardian.  

Also, a good rule of thumb for nearly all positions in estate planning is to name at least one backup, or alternate, in case the first person named is unable or unwilling to take on the responsibility. To avoid selecting someone who would prefer not to accept this responsibility, talk to the prospective guardian first to gauge their willingness and to share your hopes for your children.  Finally, be prepared to re-evaluate your choice every 3-5 years to ensure that your existing selection remains the best available choice in light of changing circumstances.

For more information on selecting a guardian for your children, see the NEET article:

Tips on Selecting a Guardian for Your Minor Children