It’s every parents worst nightmare, who would look after and bring up our children if we as parents are in able to do so due to accident, sickness, disability or death, this why at Absolute Military we feel that every client who is a parent should consider having a valid Will in place that appoints a Guardian- This being someone that you have named in your Will as the person you would like to be responsible for your children if they are orphaned before reaching the age of 18.

Why is appointing Guardians important?

If you fail to appoint guardians in your Will and your children are orphaned before they reach 18, the courts will appoint guardians instead, but they won’t necessarily choose the people that you would have preferred to take care of your children. If when you pass away the other parent of your children survives, the surviving parent will normally continue to have full responsibility for the children. However, if neither parent survives (as in some road accidents) then the guardians you have appointed will take on the responsibility for your children.

By appointing guardians you can ensure that your children are looked after by the people that you have chosen as the best people for the job.

How to Appoint Guardians

To appoint legal guardians for your children, you must name them as your chosen guardians in your Will. Before doing this you will need to approach the people you would like to appoint as guardians to find out whether they are willing and able to take on this responsibility. You may also wish to appoint alternative guardians, who will take their place if your intended guardians pass away. Day-to-day care of the surviving children.

Making decisions about the children’s upbringing, education, health and welfare. Usually a Guardian will also be one of the Trustees for the property held in Trust for the child/children (see our separate Trust guide).

How do I feel about their values and parenting skills?

Are they able to offer a stable family environment?

What is the quality of their present relationship with my child/children?

Are they willing and able to handle the responsibility of caring for my child/children on a long-term basis?

Roles and Responsibilities of Guardians

The roles and responsibilities of guardians include the following:

Choosing guardians

When considering who to appoint as legal guardian for your children, you will need to consider the following:

How many guardians should I appoint?

You may appoint just one guardian, however, most people when writing their Will choose to appoint two, typically a couple.

Should I make the guardians trustees as well?

Many people choose to do this, as the guardians will be taking care of your children’s finances until they are 18. If you do this, it is advisable also to appoint another trustee who is not related to the guardians, e.g. a solicitor or accountant. Doing so will help to provide objectivity and guard against conflicts of interest. It will also provide the guardians with some support in handling the financial and legal aspects of a trust.

Who can Appoint Guardians?

You may only appoint guardians for children in your Will if you currently have ‘parental responsibility’ for the children.

One of your intended guardians dies

Your intended guardians have separated or divorced

Your intended guardians have left the country or had some other major life change

Your intended guardians are no longer able or willing to take on the responsibility

By writing a codicil

By appointing in your Will alternative guardians who would take on the responsibility for your children if your intended guardians die before you do.

Changing your guardians

In some circumstances it may become necessary to change your appointed guardians, for example:

You can change your appointed guardians in one of two ways:

The additional question to consider is what financial resources would be available to your appointed Guardians to enable them to provide your children with the upbringing that you would like them to enjoy.

This is where a discussion with a Absolute Military adviser can assist you consider financial protection and Trust needs plus our welfare benefits entitlement tool would be available to assist your appointed Guardians check what additional welfare benefits and grants that they may be entitled to such as Guardians