Thinking about leaving our children behind is a hard thought for any of us, but it is made harder knowing there’s a chance they could still be very young when it happens. A lot of people understandably push this thought to the back of their minds, but it’s time to realise how important it is to have this conversation, and how much it can help your children if the worst were to happen.

 

What would happen to my child if I die?

 

If you were to pass and there is someone else with Parental Responsibility, such as the child’s mother or father, then the child would be put under their care. This would happen regardless of whether the child has a relationship with that person, as long as they are named on their birth certificate or (in the father’s case) if he’s married to the child’s mother.

If both parents were to tragically pass at the same time, that is when having an appointed Guardian comes into play.

 

What would happen if there wasn’t a Guardian in place?

 

  • The care of your children would be decided by the court
  • It would cause distress for your child who could be temporarily placed in Care
  • It would cause additional strain on your family during an already difficult period

These are some of many implications that could arise if you weren’t to have an appointed Guardian for your child, which is why it is so important.

Though doing this may be quite emotionally difficult, once the process is complete and a Guardian has been chosen, it can give you great peace of mind knowing that your child will be in the best hands if the worst were to happen.

 

What is the Guardian responsible for?

 

  • Financially supporting your child
  • Dictating the child’s education and school
  • Looking after the child’s day-to-day needs and providing food, clothes and a home.

These are all essential things to both your child’s well-being and also ensures a comfortable living situation during their grieving period. So, if you have been putting off appointing a Guardian and realise now is the time- then reach out to us for a quick, no nonsense chat. We will advise what we can do to help you ensure that your children will be looked after.

 

If you have anymore questions or queries about Guardianship then contact us today – we’d be happy to help!