It’s very important if you are the parent of a child with special needs that you make a will, appointing guardians on your behalf that would be responsible for the upbringing of your children if both parents pass away.
I have come across the consequence of parents not making a will and the massive knock on effect this has. I don’t want to worry you but trust me if you are reading this article without a will you should feel heart palpations!
When deciding on who could step into the roll of Guardian then a big discussion need to take place. So make some time when the kids are in bed to think this important area over.
Here are some tips:
- Draw up a short list of potential Guardians
- Your main focus should be on the next 5-years
- It’s not all about your child with special needs, you have to think about your other children too
- Think about living arrangements, schools, health care & other areas
- Arrange to meet with the potential Guardians
- Complete your Letter of Wishes & Hospital Passport before your meeting
- Discuss the likelihood of them become Guardians
- Give them an opportunity to think it all over
As Dolores would say, it is best to leave the wine drinking till after you had the conversation!
Most families I meet end up choosing a family member to be the guardian or a friend whom your child is comfortable with. You can choose a couple or you might prefer to choose a Guardian from each side of the family. Both have pro’s and con’s but it is really up to you and the people you are asking.
Often Grandparent can be nominated in this role for the short term and as life goes on then a younger generation of Guardians need to be in place for obvious reasons.
You will need to review your nominated Guardians in your will at least every 5-years as people’s circumstances change and you need to be happy that your original choice is still suitable.
I hope this has helped in some small way as you plan for the future.