Naming a guardian can seem like tricky business. On one hand you’re confronting the idea that you won’t always be around for your kids and on the other you’ll be needing to choose someone you and your family trust to help in taking good care of them but still remind them that you were cool in your 20s – and that despite what they think, that actually wasn’t that long ago!
But, appointing someone you trust to help take care of your kids when you’re no longer around doesn’t need to be cumbersome. And although no one will ever be your match, you’ll need a person who’s accessible to your children, has got your back and equally, will always have your kid’s too. In nominating someone in your Will, this is a called a ‘testamentary guardian’ which will mean that they’ll have a say in the decisions for your child.
What to think about when choosing who to pick for the job
Thinking about the legacy you want to leave is a good place to start – how are you living yours and who around you is singing by the same songbook? Who’s going to show up for your kids in the way you do? Here are some other things to think about:
Your family values
Your parenting style
Will your candidate be able to cope financially?
Are they in good health?
Are they around – will they be geographically accessible?
Any other family circumstances – are you a blended household with step-siblings or have family in another country to consider
Who your kids are comfortable around
Make it a little easier and nominate your testamentary guardian in your Will, online
Make your decision official with an online Will. It’s quick and you can do it all from the comfort of your home. You’ll have 24/7 access, plus online support 7 days a week and whilst this might be one of the most important things you can do for you and your family, getting your Will and your children’s testamentary guardian sorted, is just a few clicks away.
It can be done in 4 simple steps:
Create an account
Create your Will
Print and sign in front of 2 independent witnesses
Scan and upload, store somewhere safe or contact the team for further assistance if you prefer us to hang onto it
Find a booklet easier to navigate?
Our handy booklet provides clear and simple answers to the important questions about choosing a testamentary guardian for your child.