Call Today for a Complimentary Initial Consultation 412-928-2068

Planning For Families With Minor Children

Protect your minor children by having a properly drafted last will and testament. Parents have the option of naming a guardian for their child in their respective wills. Ideally, parents would nominate the same guardian in their separate wills. A court must still approve the parents' choice. However, probate courts almost invariably honor the parents' wishes in appointing a guardian, unless the person they've selected is grossly unfit.

Who Should You Choose To Be The Guardian Of Your Children? 

Your first instinct would be to look at family and close friends, but sometimes that does not yield many promising prospects. The choice may not be easy, but it is imperative that you make it now before it's too late. If you don't name a guardian in a valid will, you will have no say in who the judge appoints to take care of and raise your children.

When Parents Don't Leave A Will

When parents don't leave a will regarding the care of their minor children, the court will decide on a guardian based on the best interests of the child. The "best interests" criteria is similar to what a court might use when selecting a custodial parent in a custody fight. Ideally, judges want to move a child into the care of a guardian the child knows very well. This minimizes the disruption in his or her life at a traumatic time. Family members are usually preferred, and they have the right to petition the court for the appointment.

Management Of Inheritances

When a child inherits assets from his or her deceased parents, the funds are devoted to his or her care. Some parents name separate individuals to care for their child and to oversee his or her financial needs — this is called a custodian. Parents have the right to name the same person to both roles, but a court must approve the appointment of the custodian just as it must approve the guardian. A custodian almost always has to report to the court on an annual basis, giving a detailed accounting of the child's assets.

After The Death Of One Parent

When parents don't die together in a common accident or disaster, the surviving parent always retains custody of the child; this is not a guardianship situation. Another individual would be appointed as guardian only if the second parent dies. If the second parent leaves a will naming a guardian or custodian, those wishes usually guide the court's decision. If the second parent to die does not have a will naming a guardian or custodian, the court might look to the guardian or custodian named in the first parent's will.

The Risks Of The Foster System

If you do not name a guardian in your will, Child Protective Services will pick up your minor children and place them with foster parents even if a loving family member comes forward to take care of the children. You have no guarantee whether your children will remain together or be split up. A judge will have the children stay with the foster parents until a family member or someone who knows and loves your children files a petition with the court to be appointed as the guardian of your children. This is timely and expensive. This may be avoided by naming a guardian in your will.

Take The Steps To Protect Your Children Today

If you have minor children, your will can never be created too soon, which is why it's important to discuss your situation with Attorney D'Onofrio today! Contact my law office online or call 412-928-2068 to schedule a complimentary meeting to discuss protecting your minor children and other estate planning matters.

MORE THAN 38 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Thank you to all of my wonderful clients for the many referrals you have already sent to me and I am most thankful for your continued referrals.

The highest compliment you can pay us is a referral:

Review Us Here

Menu