Three key guidelines for choosing a guardian for your children:
1. First, list everyone better than the one person you'd never want.
2. Next, without worrying about the people, consider what's most important to you when it comes to raising your kids.
3. Last, have a third party help you take the emotion out of the situation and match the people you
6 common mistakes most parents (and their lawyers) make when naming guardians:
1. Named a couple to act as guardians when you don't really want both people in the couple and you haven't said what should happen if the couple broke up or one of the partners in the couple died.
2. Only named one possible guardian. What if something happens to your first choice?
3. Considered financial resources when deciding who should raise your children. Your guardians do not have to (and often should not) be financial decision makers for your kids.
4. Only have a Will, which means the Court will distribute your money, it's totally public and doesn't protect your money from their divorce and lawsuits.
5. Did not exclude anyone who might challenge your guardian decisions or who you know you'd never want to care for your kids.
6. Only named guardians for the long-term and did not make any arrangements for the short term if you were in an accident. What would happen in those immediate hours until your permanent guardians could arrive?
For more information on Alexis Martin Neely and her book, "Wear Clean Underwear! A Fast, Fun, Friendly and essential Guide to Leagal Planning for Busy Parents," visit: www.wearcleanunderwearbook.com
Also, visit kidsprotectionplan.com for information on creating a Kids Protection Plan.
