New Year, New Guardian? Protecting Your Child's Future in 2025 with Estate Planning

As we embrace the fresh start of a New Year, there’s no better time to address one of the most crucial aspects of family planning: naming legal guardians for your minor children. While it’s not the most comfortable topic to consider, ensuring your children’s care and security is perhaps the greatest gift you can give them—and yourself.

Why Naming a Guardian is Critical

Think of guardianship designation as your children's safety net. Without it, if something unexpected happens to you, the courts will decide who raises your children, potentially choosing someone you wouldn't have selected. Even worse, your children could face temporary placement in the foster care system while the courts sort things out.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Guardian

• Values and Parenting Style: Look for someone whose values, beliefs, and parenting approach align with yours.

• Age and Health: Consider whether potential guardians will have the energy and health to raise children.

• Location and Stability: Think about whether your children would need to relocate and how that might impact their lives.

• Financial Capability: While you can set aside funds to help with your children's care, consider the guardian's overall financial stability.

• Existing Family: How would your children fit into their household?

A Note to Grandparents

If you're a grandparent reading this, you're in a unique position to help ensure your grandchildren's security. Consider:

• Encouraging your adult children to create a guardianship plan

• Offering to help them think through their options

• Sharing this article and letting them know that professional help is available

• If you're raising your grandchildren, you may need to address guardianship issues yourself to ensure continuity of care.

Making it Official

Simply telling someone that they're your chosen guardian isn't enough-it must be legally documented. This typically involves:

• Naming guardians in your will

• Creating temporary guardianship powers for emergencies

• Possibly establishing a trust to manage assets for your children's care

• Documenting detailed instructions for the guardian

Don't let another year go by without this vital protection in place. Contact us to help you navigate the guardianship designation process and ensure your children's future is secure, no matter what life brings.

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If you want to get started on your estate plan and want to work with a Portland, Oregon estate planning lawyer, read about our estate planning services and schedule an appointment.

To your family's health + happiness.

~Candice N. Aiston