If you are in the process of writing your will, there are several things you have to consider. The purpose of writing a will is to ensure your wishes are carried out accordingly upon your passing. Not only can a will give you the peace of mind you need to continue living without worry; a solid will can also help ensure your family is taken care of after you pass as well. One of the most important aspects of a will is establishing a guardianship, especially if you are the last living parent of a child under the age of 18. If you think this applies to your situation, here are some of the questions you may have :
What are the responsibilities of a legal guardian?
If you are the last living parent of a child under the age of 18 and pass without including a guardian into your will, the courts will most likely decide for you. This is obviously a strong concern, as any caring parent wants their child to be raised as they intend. When you select a guardian, some of the responsibilities he or she will have can include:
- Carefully managing your money and property carefully, as they are responsible for ensuring all finances are well-kept
- Guardians are responsible for ensuring all finances and property are separate from their ownÂ
- Guardians must keep neat records of all money and property in case the status of either comes into question
- Guardians are responsible for always acting in the individual’s best interest as they are presumably unable to do so themselvesÂ
If you are appointed as another individual’s legal guardian, you are given a huge amount of responsibility. You must be meticulous and pay close attention to any legal matters that concern you in your position.
How do you choose a guardian?
When you select a guardian, you must ensure that the person you choose is not only someone you trust but someone who is undoubtedly capable of managing your affairs according to your instructions. Selecting a guardian can be a stressful process, however, hiring an experienced attorney can help you make the right decision. If you want compassionate and knowledgeable assistance in choosing a guardian or writing a will, please do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced firm today.
Contact our experienced Massachusetts firm
If you require compassionate and knowledgeable legal guidance for a matter of divorce, family or estate law, please contact the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley today. Our firm proudly serves clients in Mansfield, Massachusetts and throughout Bristol County.
