Protect your children. Those three words together automatically grab your attention. Laura Richardson explains why you need to sort out your estate planning TODAY and get your Will written to protect your children in the event that something were to happen to both you and your partner or spouse . . .
As parents, we strive to do the best for our children every day, but many parents fail to legally prepare for the care of their child in the event of both parents’ death. The result of this can be catastrophic to an orphaned child who could be forced into state care until a suitable guardian can be appointed by the Court. This is particularly relevant at the moment, following recent reports that the Family Court are working at a severely delayed rate meaning that each case is waiting an average of 9 months for the first Court hearing!
Bev Higgs JP is the national chair of the Magistrates Association who told the Law Society that:
“These delays have a hugely detrimental impact on the families involved…For a young child waiting for certainty on where and with whom they will be living, it is an eternity.”
Thankfully, it is possible to protect your children from facing an uncertain future is as simple as writing your Will. In order to legally appoint a guardian for your child, your statement should be made in writing and signed by two witnesses. This is very similar to the legal requirements for writing a legally valid Will, which is why many parents choose to incorporate their choice of legal guardian within their Will. Combining these two important documents and storing them in a registered Will storage facility has the added benefit of avoiding the risk of the guardianship document being mislaid or accidently destroyed. Furthermore, it also allows you to provide some financial assistance within your Will to the chosen guardian in the form of a cash sum or a fund held in trust. It is also not uncommon for a parent to also include a letter of wishes within their Will in order to record important things you wish to be taken into account by your chosen guardian, such as particular religious or spiritual beliefs or wishes for your child’s education.
Now more than ever, it is vital to protect your children should the worst happen. For further information, or to arrange your free initial consultation call Andrew Douglas Wills & Legal Services. As specialists in this area of law you can be sure of an expert, yet caring service that puts your needs first. Call today to find out more about our popular fully remote ‘Wills through a Window’ service
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