When it comes to Arizona estate planning, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind to ensure that the end result is one that you are happy with. One such example is naming a guardian in your will, which is geared towards those individuals with minor children under the age of 18. When you are naming this all too important person, you want to do so carefully. After all, this is the person that you are entrusting to raise your children, so this is a decision that cannot be made lightly. You need to choose the person in your life that would raise your children most like you and the person that would have the interests of your children at heart.

Guardian Tips

One important tip to keep in mind is that if you neglect to include this as part of your Arizona estate planning, you will end up leaving the decision of who will be the guardian of your children up to strangers, who may or may not make the decision you would have wanted for your children. Among the considerations for such an important decision is to provide for each children separately in your will. This may seem like an obvious move, but many people account for their children as a group in their wills instead of naming each one specifically, a move that can result in much confusion and turmoil should you suddenly pass away.

Additionally, it is important to have a conversation with your chosen guardian about taking all of your children at once, if you have several kids. Some guardians may only feel comfortable taking one or taking kids of a certain age; the end result of this could be a split of your kids, which is a traumatic event after a death in the family. This may be one of the more uncomfortable parts of Gilbert estate planning, but it is very necessary to ensure the outcome that you desire.

You also need to consider the geographical location of your guardian, so that you can stipulate in your will whether or not your minor children will reside in their childhood home or if you would prefer for them to move to the location of your chosen guardian. You also need to pinpoint things like whether or not your children have to change schools and what financial support will be provided for the guardian and subsequently, the children. You may also need to address issues of religious upbringing, as this kind of issue can confuse the minor children in question and cause even greater upheaval.

The more you do this kind of Arizona estate planning in advance, the more likely it is that your children you will have an easier transition following the turmoil associated with the death of a loved one. Whatever decisions you make, be sure to discuss them with your estate’s administrator as well as your chosen guardian(s) so that everyone is on the same page and the process of settling your estate is easy.

Need Help?

If you are not sure as to what legal document you currently have contact one of our professionals to help you with your estate planning. They will make sure you have all of your grounds covered and have the right legal documents that best suite your wants and needs.

Contact us today by clicking here!