Did you ever stop to think of what will happen to your children if something should happen to you? A touchy topic, I know, but one that must be addressed. If you are divorced your most likely answer will be, “to the other parent”. What if you are not divorced? What if you are widowed instead? What if the other parent does not want to be involved in the children’s lives? What if the other parent is not physically, financially, emotionally, or mentally fit to care for the children? Then what?
If you have not already taken care of this issue you need to do it as soon as possible. It is not one of those things that can wait. Do not just assume that your parents will get the children or your sister. This may not be the case. The court will decide where your children will go if you do not make it clear where you want them to go. This may or may not coincide with your wishes for your children.
Find a suitable person that you want to raise your children should something happen to you. You should find a person whose ideas on childrearing and fundamentals are like yours. Any additional upbringing requests should be brought up to that person and acknowledged by them that they will be carried out. With that being said, you need to choose someone that you trust wholeheartedly. Ask that person if they would do this for you. You will then hope that they will agree, but do not be surprised, hurt, or angry if they say no. Some people already have too much on their plates and do not feel that they can handle anymore than they already have.
After finding someone who will carry on this responsibility for you, get it in writing. Go to your lawyer and draw up your will, including guardianship of your children clearly outlined in the document. Your lawyer will keep a copy and you will keep a copy. A third copy will go to the person that you named in your will as executor.
This is not a pleasant task, but you will have peace of mind once it is taken care of. Otherwise, your children’s care could fall into the hands of someone that you would have never chosen. Be responsible and guard your children’s future. Do it for the love of your most precious gifts, your babies.
Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.